Bridging the gap: exploring healthcare professionals' perceptions and barriers towards cervical cancer screening services uptake amongst women in rural communities.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural communities where access to screening and diagnostic services is limited. Despite being preventable through HPV vaccination and early detection via screening, cervical cancer continues to pose substantial health challenges in resource-limited settings. Colposcopy, a crucial diagnostic procedure for women with abnormal screening results, faces various implementation challenges in rural healthcare settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores healthcare professionals' perceptions, experiences, and identified barriers affecting cervical cancer screening services uptake among women in rural communities, with particular focus on colposcopy service delivery challenges and potential improvement strategies.

METHODS

Two qualitative focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare professionals (n = 18 total; FGD1: n = 9, FGD2: n = 9) involved in cervical cancer screening services in rural areas. Participants included obstetrician-gynaecologists, general practitioners, and healthcare providers with experience in colposcopy services. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns.

RESULTS

Healthcare professionals identified multiple interconnected barriers affecting cervical cancer screening services uptake, including: (1) limited awareness and cultural beliefs among rural women, (2) infrastructural challenges including equipment shortages and power supply issues, (3) workforce limitations and inadequate training, (4) accessibility and transportation barriers, and (5) security concerns in rural areas. Despite these challenges, professionals acknowledged the critical importance of colposcopy in early cervical cancer detection and prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on healthcare professionals' experiences in this study of three local government areas in Rivers State, successful implementation of cervical cancer screening services in rural communities requires a multi-faceted approach addressing infrastructure development, continuous professional training, community education programmes, and policy support. Healthcare professionals emphasise the need for sustained commitment from government and non-governmental organisations to bridge existing gaps in cervical cancer prevention services.