Life Experiences of Women Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
ABSTRACT
Background
Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) bears the highest global burden of cervical cancer. Living with the disease is a complex experience, leading to significant changes across various biopsychosocial dimensions, which in turn affect the quality of life of affected women.
Aims
This review aimed to synthesize available scientific evidence on the life experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in SSA in order to generate valuable insights into the care of the affected population.
Methods
Seven electronic databases were searched in August 2024, supplemented by manual reference list searching and snowballing to identify additional relevant studies. The eligibility criteria for inclusion were studies that sampled women (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with cervical cancer, used qualitative methodology, explored life experiences with cervical cancer as a primary aim, and were published between January 2015 and August 2024. The 10‐item Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of individual studies. The findings of the studies were thematically synthesized to generate analytical themes.
Results
A total of 14 studies were included, with the largest proportion of studies conducted in Ghana and South Africa. Four main themes highlighting the life experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer emerged from the synthesis: physical and psychosexual disruptions, knowledge of cervical cancer, socio‐economic challenges, and treatment experiences.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the profound physical, psychological, sexual, and socio‐economic experiences of cervical cancer on women in SSA. To improve cervical cancer outcomes in the region, it is crucial to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive care that emphasizes public awareness, early detection, psychological support, socio‐economic interventions, and both curative and palliative treatment options.