Curationis

The psychosocial implications of cervical cancer in women living in sub-Saharan Africa

Background: A cervical cancer diagnosis has several implications for women’s lives. Living with cervical cancer in the context of sub-Sahara Africa’s unique challenges can have a devastating effect on psychosocial health. Objectives: This study describes the publication output reporting psychosocial implications of cervical cancer for women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: A scoping review was conducted using the keywords Africa and cervical cancer in combination with psychosocial, psychological, social, spiritual, cultural and financial to search five databases. A data extraction sheet was developed to capture the relative data, which was analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. Of the 294 articles initially identified, 18 were included in the review. Results: The majority of the studies (66.7%; n = 12) were qualitative. They focussed on five psychosocial domains – psychological including a lack of knowledge, misunderstanding and unmet information needs, the omnipresent experience of fear and sexual problems as well as social, cultural, spiritual and financial implications. Conclusion: Work focussing on the psychosocial implications of cervical cancer in women living in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. Only one study focussed specifically on a psychosocial domain, the rest reported little about psychosocial issues. There is an urgent need for research that focusses exclusively on psychosocial health, separate from other studies. Contribution: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study synthesising research conducted on this specific topic. We mapped the extent of the current evidence base, identified gaps and highlighted areas requiring additional inquiry.

Experiences of cervical cancer screening in HIV-positive women in Zimbabwe

The primary purpose of screening is to detect individuals in danger of cervical cancer so as to prevent further progression of the disease. Cervical cancer remains a global concern, as it ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed female malignancy worldwide. It is the commonest female cancer in Zimbabwe. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a disproportionate risk of invasive cervical cancer, as they are 2-12 times more likely to develop pre-cancerous lesions. As a result of the increased risk, routine screenings are suggested. Few women are screened for cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. This study aimed at describing the experiences of screening for cervical cancer and motivation behind screening. The study employed a qualitative research approach. In-depth one to one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted using interview and focus group guides. The study was conducted at an opportunistic infections clinic in Mpilo Central Hospital. Data analysis was performed by using Giorgi's descriptive method of data analysis. The themes that emerged from data analysis were facilitators to screening for cervical cancer, community awareness of cervical cancer screening, free cervical cancer treatment and more screening centres and integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV care. In-depth understanding of the factors that enable women to take part in cervical cancer screening is essential so that these factors can be strengthened to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening services.