Barriers and facilitators to effective cervical cancer screening in Belize: a qualitative analysis.
Cancer Causes Control
; 34(8): 647-656, 2023 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37165111
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Belize has among the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates of Latin American and Caribbean countries. This study evaluates the perspectives of key stakeholders for cervical cancer screening in Belize and identifies the barriers and facilitators for providing equitable access to prevention services.METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews discussing cervical cancer screening were conducted with key stakeholders across the six districts of Belize in 2018. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically; themes were organized by levels of the social-ecological model.RESULTS:
We conducted 47 interviews with health care providers (45%), administrators (17%), government officials (25%), and other stakeholders (13%). Majority (78%) of interviews were from the public sector. Perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening were identified across multiple levels (1) Individual Patient potential delays in Pap smear results and fear of a cancer diagnosis; (2) Provider competing clinician responsibilities; (3) Organizational insufficient space and training; (4) Community reduced accessibility in rural areas; and (5) Policy equipment and staffing budget limitations. The main facilitators we identified included the following (1) at the Community level resource-sharing between public and private sectors and dedicated rural outreach personnel; (2) at the Policy level free public screening services and the establishment of population-based screening.CONCLUSION:
Despite free, publicly available cervical cancer screening in Belize, complex barriers affect access and completion of management when abnormal screening tests are identified. Provider workload, education outreach, and additional funding for training and facilities are potential areas for strengthening this program and increasing detection and management for cervical cancer control.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Screening_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
America central
/
Belice
/
Caribe ingles
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cancer Causes Control
Asunto de la revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
/
NEOPLASIAS
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos