Factors affecting cervical screening using the health belief model during the last decade: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To examine the utility of the health belief model (HBM) and other socioeconomic factors in shaping cervical screening behaviors. Also, to provide recommendations on improving screening uptake. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for articles reporting on the factors associated with cervical screening using the HBM within the period from January of 2002 to January of 2023. Effect sizes for the various HBM constructs were pre-determined using the log odds ratio (logOR) and expressed with their confidence intervals. All reporting was in line with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 15,365 participants. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that perceived susceptibility (OR: 1.40, 95% CI, 1.03-1.89), perceived benefits (OR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.50), and self-efficacy (OR: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17) were significantly associated with both the uptake of and intention to adopt preventive measures against cervical cancer. Conversely, women with higher perceptions of barriers were less likely to adopt any measure for cervical cancer screening or prevention (OR: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91). In terms of sociodemographic effectors, older age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), graduate/post-graduate education (OR: 2.80; 95% CI, 1.46-5.37), higher knowledge of cervical cancer (OR: 2.21; 95% CI, 1.27-3.84), and being married (OR: 3.89; 95% CI, 1.38-10.92) were all associated with altering preventive behaviors and intentions toward cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: This review delineates the most important and effective cognitive components that should be targeted within interventions aiming to promote cervical cancer prevention.

Women's and health professionals' perceptions, beliefs and barriers to cervical cancer screening uptake in Southern Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Cervical cancer remains a public health problem worldwide. Screening for cervical cancer is poorly implemented in resource-limited settings. In Ethiopia, evidence from the community and health professionals regarding implementation of the screening programme is lacking. The objective of this study was to explore women's and health professionals' perceptions, beliefs, and barriers in relation to cervical screening in Southern Ethiopia. Five focus group discussions among women and six key informant interviews with health professionals were conducted from June to July 2022 to gather the required data from a total of 42 participants. The participants were purposively selected from a diverse group to ensure varied viewpoints. Data were collected through group discussions and face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview sessions were tape-recorded. The data were analysed using a thematic approach. Women demonstrated a low level of awareness and perceived risk. Also, the perceived benefit of screening for cervical cancer during healthy periods was low. Individual and system-level barriers to screening include low awareness, stigma, poor perceptions towards health screening and causes of cervical cancer, low risk perception and competing domestic priorities, shortage of trained human and other resources, human resource turnover, low implementation and lack of close follow-up of screening programmes. In summary, lack of awareness, misconceptions, and poor perceptions were common. Screening implementation and uptake were low due to individual, psychosocial, and system-related barriers. Therefore, behavioural change communication and system-strengthening efforts need to be in place to effectively tackle the observed gaps.

Environmental and psychosocial predictors of cervical cancer screening among women in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, North Central, Nigeria.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among Nigerian women. Although screening is a cost-effective strategy for reducing its burden, uptake remains sub-optimal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 sexually active women aged ≥25 years in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Mean age of respondents was 38.4±11.6years. 246(46.9%) had good knowledge of CC screening while 268(51.2%) had poor knowledge. Religion (aOR:1.8 [95% CI: 1.1 - 3.1]), location (aOR:1.2 [95% CI: 1.2 - 3.4) and number of children (aOR:2.3 [95% CI: 1.3 - 3.9]) were predictors for screening. Poor access routes to health facilities (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]), high cost of screening (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]), unaware of screening centers (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]) and long waiting hours (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9) were identified environmental predictors. Fear of positive diagnosis/stigma (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.9]), unacceptable touch (aOR:0.2 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.8), deficiency in awareness programs (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.7]), and not aware of appropriate screening age (aOR:0.1 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.4]) were identified psychosocial predictors. This study highlights the need to intensify enlightenment programs, subsidize screening services, and encourage community screening.

Psychological Distress in Women With Abnormal Pap Smear Results Attending Cervical Cancer Screening.

OBJECTIVE: Women often experience psychological distress upon receipt of an abnormal Pap test result. This study aimed to evaluate psychological distress and its correlates among women who received an abnormal Pap screening test result. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of 172 consecutive women who had attended screening for cervical cancer and who received abnormal Pap smear results and underwent additional diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage). The participants filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used for the analysis of the data. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust the level of significance. RESULTS: In women who received an abnormal Pap smear result, the independent correlate of higher psychological distress (by Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire score) before diagnostic procedures was lower satisfaction with information/support received from other people ( p = .002). Correlates of psychological distress in women older than 40 years with abnormal Pap smear were anxiety ( p = .042) and worry about having cervical cancer, general health and having sex ( p = .044). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' findings could enable control of factors predictive of psychological distress in women who received a positive Pap smear screening test before undergoing diagnostic procedures, primarily via active provision of targeted information.

Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model for the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To elaborate a prediction model for quality of life of cervical cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 229 cervical cancer survivors. The quality of life measures included the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix version 4.0 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version self-administered questionnaires. We imported the data into the statistical software program R and developed a gamma generalized linear model. RESULTS: Our internally validated predictive model for the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix total score was composed of the following predictors: pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/discharge/odor, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships domain. The Harrell's concordance index was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a solid and internally validated predictive model in cervical cancer survivors based on predictors, such as pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/odor/discharge, and WHOQOL-BREF social relationships subscale score that contribute significantly to quality of life as targets for potential intervention.

Self-management and illness perception among cervical cancer patients: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aimed to describe self-management among cervical cancer patients and to elucidate the relationship between illness perception and self-management in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 220 cervical cancer patients was recruited from the gynaecology outpatient department of a cancer hospital. Data were collected from September 2018 to February 2019. Self-management and illness perception were assessed using the Cancer Self-Management Assessment Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for cervical cancer, respectively. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean score of self-management was 3.87 ± 0.53, and daily life management showed the highest score (4.18 ± 0.58), while symptom management was the lowest (3.11 ± 082). Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that family monthly income per person, types of surgery and personal control were factors that significantly influenced self-management. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that self-management among patients with cervical cancer needs to be improved. The significant influence of illness perception offers an opportunity for nurses to improve self-management behaviours of patients with cervical cancer.

Experiences of women with advanced cervical cancer before starting the treatment: Systematic review of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Advanced stage and high mortality are characteristics of cervical cancer in developing countries. Comprehension of the diagnosis itinerary is one of the main strategies to control the disease impact. OBJECTIVES: To identify reasons for the delay in diagnosing symptomatic cervical cancer according to the patient's perspectives reported in qualitative studies. We searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included qualitative studies of women with advanced cervical cancer that explored their experiences before treatment. We excluded unoriginal, non-qualitative, and duplicated studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We selected 39 articles for a full-text reading and included 15 in the present review. We chose the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) for quality assessment and The Model of Pathways to Treatment to guide the codifying process. MAIN RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the synthesis: (1) Health-seeking motivators; (2) Obstacles to seeking medical care; (3) Diagnosis delay; and (4) Coping with the disease. These themes were derived from patients' personal knowledge and beliefs, social relationships, socioeconomic status, and healthcare system characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Individual behavior, social factors, and healthcare organization contribute to the delay in diagnosing advanced cervical cancer.

Factors associated with HPV vaccination decision-making among Korean American women.

Despite a significant reduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the United States in the past decade, Korean American (KA) women experience a disproportionately high cervical cancer burden due to low HPV vaccination rates. Given associations between parental decision-making and adolescent vaccination, it is crucial to identify and address factors influencing parental HPV vaccination decision-making for their children. The purpose of this study was to examine the sociodemographic characteristics and health literacy factors in relation to KA women's willingness to allow their daughters to receive HPV vaccination. We used baseline data collected from 560 KA women who participated in a cluster-randomized trial designed to promote mammography and Pap test screening. Participants answered study questionnaires measuring individual characteristics, cancer literacy, HPV knowledge, and HPV vaccination decision-making for their daughters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the correlates of HPV vaccination decision-making among participants. Over half of the participants (54%) endorsed HPV vaccination for their daughters. Low knowledge, compared to high and medium HPV knowledge (aOR 3.48, CI 2.01-6.04 and aOR 2.14, CI 1.46-3.12, respectively), were significantly associated with higher odds of participants' intention to vaccinate their daughters. Additionally, in comparison to low cancer literacy, middle-range cancer literacy (aOR 1.70, CI 1.08-2.68) was significantly associated with higher odds of participants' intention to vaccinate their daughters. Misperceptions about cancer and low HPV knowledge among KA women should be considered when providing vaccine counseling and developing interventions to promote cervical health in this population.

Perceived psychosexual dimensions of cervical cancer survivors in India-An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Medical advancements have led to increased survival. However, sexuality and sexual concerns remain as major worries of patients after treatment. This study aims to understand the psychosexual experiences of cervical cancer survivors. METHODS: Cervical cancer survivors (n = 30) aged 35-55 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule, after obtaining consent. The audio-recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes in each group namely sexually active and sexually inactive evolved on analysis. Three themes were derived under sexually active group namely (i) Enablers of active sexual functioning (ii) Impediments of active sexual functioning (iii) Sexual health communication. The three themes under sexually inactive include (i) Attributes of sexual abstinence (ii) Impact of sexual abstinence (iii) Barriers of sexual health communication. CONCLUSIONS: Both sexually active and inactive survivors in India experience various psychosexual concerns post cancer treatment indicating a strong need for psychosocial care and focused clinical interventions.

Quality of life and Its Determinants among Cervical Cancer Patients in South India.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India. It affects the patient's, physical and psychological state which results in lower quality of life (QoL). Women with cervical cancer may require counselling and time to enable them to deal with the disease and its treatment. The present study aimed to determine the quality of life and its determinants among cervical cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from April 2017 to September 2017 in a regional cancer centre in South India. Cervical cancer patients (N= 210) with histological confirmation were interviewed at the hospital. European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire core module, QLQ-C30 Version 3.0, and recommended scoring algorithm were used to measure and analyse QoL. The Association of socio-economic determinants on quality of life was evaluated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 210 cervical cancer patients enrolled, the majority 106 (50.5%) of women were between the age group 46 to 59 years and most, i.e.  167(63.0%) were not literate. The median score in the global health status was 50.0[IQR 33.3 - 66.7], 66.7[IQR 60.0 - 80.0] in physical functioning, and 83.3[IQR 66.7 - 83.3] in pain symptoms respectively which were poor compared to reference score of EORTC for all normal females and those with any cancer. The factors which were significantly associated with the GHS QoL score were the advanced stage of disease (OR:2.1, 95%CI: 1.1 - 3.9) and the age of the patients ≥60 years compared with ≤ 45 years (OR:18.4, 95%CI: 6.8 - 50.1). CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer patients had poor global health status compared to the reference score for all females with any cancer and the normal females. Advanced stage of cancer and older age have a significant association with QoL.

Health-related quality of life among cervical cancer survivors at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Ghana. The disease and its treatment significantly affect survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We determined the overall quality of life (QoL) and identified its predictors among cervical cancer survivors after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 153 disease-free cervical cancer survivors who completed curative treatment between January 2004 and December 2018 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. We used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core-30 item (EORTC QLQ-C30) and cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24) to assess the survivors' overall QoL. QoL domain scores were dichotomised as affected or unaffected by disease and its treatment. Significant differences between the affected and unaffected groups within each QoL domain were determined using the student T-test. We used Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests to examine the difference in QoL domains between treatment types, with significance based on Bonferroni corrections. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of overall QoL. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three (153) women having a mean age of 58.3 (SD 11.4) years were studied. The overall QoL score was 79.6 (SD 16.0), and 74.5% of survivors reported good QoL score within the median follow up time of 41.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 25.5-71.1 months) after cervical cancer diagnosis. Although the majority (66.0-84.3%) of the QoL functioning scale were unaffected, about a fifth (22.2%) to a third (34.5%) of the subjects had perceptual impairment in cognitive and role functioning. Financial difficulties, peripheral neuropathy and pain were most common symptoms reported as affected. A third of the survivors were worried that sex would be painful, and 36.6% indicated that their sexual activity as affected. The overall QoL scores for survivors who had surgery, chemoradiation and radiation-alone were 86.1 (SD 9.7), 76.9 (SD 17.7), and 80.7 (SD 14.7), respectively (p = 0.025). The predictors of survivor's overall QoL were loss of appetite [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 9.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.13-35.8, p = 0.001], pain (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.25-9.31, p = 0.017) and body image (AOR = 5.89, 95% CI = 1.80-19.27, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: About 75% of the survivors had a good overall quality of life. Primary surgical treatment affords the best prospects for quality of life with the least symptom complaints and financial burden. Loss of appetite, pain or diminution in body image perception predicted the overall quality of life of cervical cancer survivors after treatment.

Predictors of depressive symptoms before and after diagnostic procedures in women with abnormal Pap smear attending cervical cancer screening programme in Serbia.

OBJECTIVES: Receipt of a positive Papanicolaou screening result and subsequent referral for diagnostic tests can cause psychological stress. Still, not enough is known about depression before and after the diagnostic test in these women. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and predictors of depressive symptoms prior to and after diagnostic investigations in women who had received a positive Papanicolaou screening result. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Study cohort comprised women who received an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. Women completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and 'The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, CES-D' questionnaire before and after diagnostic tests (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) to assess factors related to depression. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in the frequency of depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 16) before and after diagnostic investigations, but the mean score on CES-D scale showed a significant difference before and after diagnostic investigations (13.98 ± 9.56 and 12.74 ± 9.15, respectively). A significant predictor of depression before diagnostic investigations was spontaneous abortion, whereas family history of other gynaecological cancers was a predictor of depression after diagnostic investigations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could contribute to improving the rates of cervical cancer screening, by identifying women at risk for depression before and after investigations.

A comparison of behavioural models explaining cervical cancer screening uptake.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer represents a very high burden of disease, especially in Low- and Middle-income economies. Screening is a recommended prevention method in resource-poor settings. Cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake is influenced by various psycho-social factors, most of which are included in behavioural models. Unlike demographic characteristics, these factors are modifiable. While few studies have compared these models in terms of their capacity to predict health behaviour, this study considers three health behaviour theories to assess and compare the predictors of CCS behaviour and intention. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 607 sexually active women in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Data was collected regarding socio-demographic factors, health literacy, knowledge on CCS, and the socio-cognitive factors related to CCS that are represented in the Health Belief Model (HBM), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Theory of Care-Seeking Behaviour (TCSB). Logistic regression analyses tested to what extent each of the theoretical models explained cervical cancer screening (CCS) intention and regular screening behaviour, comparing the variance explained by each of the models. RESULTS: CCS intention was best explained by the TPB, followed by the HBM. Of the constructs included in these models, positive attitude towards the screening procedure and perceived benefits contributed most significantly to screening intention, followed by fear, anxiety or embarrassment related to the disease or screening procedure, and context specific barriers. CONCLUSION: Health behavioural models such as the TPB and HBM can help to identify the main socio-cognitive factors explaining the intention of women to participate in CCS. As such, they can inform interventions to target specific determinants of screening intention and behaviour, and enhance their effectiveness by addressing women's screening attitude, perceived benefits, and emotions as well as reducing context specific barriers to screening.

Adenocarcinoma cervical e abandono terapêutico: a ótica dos enfermeiros em uma cidade do extremo norte brasileiro / Cervical adenocarcinoma and therapeutic dropouts: the perspective of nurses in a city in the extreme north of brazil / Adenocarcinoma cervical y abandono terapéutico: la perspectiva de los enfermeros de una ciudad del extremo norte de brasil

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever, na perspectiva do enfermeiro, as causas de abandono das usuárias em tratamento do adenocarcinoma cervical e analisar as propostas para diminuir esse abandono. Método: o estudo é descritivo, qualitativo, do tipo investigação narrativa. Participaram sete enfermeiros assistencialistas, atuantes em uma unidade de alta complexidade oncológica, na cidade de Macapá, capital do estado do Amapá, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado no período de três a 20 de dezembro de 2019. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática categorial. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias: principais causas de abandono das usuárias em tratamento do adenocarcinoma cervical e estratégias do enfermeiro para a diminuição do abandono do tratamento pelas usuárias. Conclusão: para favorecer o resgate das usuárias, os enfermeiros participantes propõem consulta de Enfermagem e um plano de ação multiprofissional, respeitando as singularidades de cada mulher.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe, from the perspective of nurses, the causes of dropout of users in treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma and analyze the proposals to reduce this dropout. Method: the study is descriptive, qualitative, of narrative research type. Seven care nurses, working in a high complexity oncology unit in the city of Macapá, capital of the state of Amapá, Brazil, participated. The study was conducted in the period from December three to 20, 2019. Data were submitted to categorical thematic analysis. Results: two categories emerged: main causes of dropout of users in treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma and nurse strategies for the reduction of treatment dropout by users. Conclusion: to promote the rescue of the users, the participating nurses propose a Nursing consultation and a multi-professional action plan, respecting the singularities of each woman.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir, desde el punto de vista del enfermero, las causas de abandono de las usuarias en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de cuello uterino y analizar las propuestas para disminuir dicho abandono. Método: El estudio es una investigación descriptiva, cualitativa y narrativa. Participaron siete enfermeros asistenciales, que trabajan en una unidad de oncología de alta complejidad en la ciudad de Macapá, capital del estado de Amapá, Brasil. El estudio se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre el 3 y el 20 de diciembre de 2019. Los datos se sometieron a un análisis categórico temático. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías: principales causas de abandono de las usuarias en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma cervical y estrategias de los enfermeros para reducir el abandono del tratamiento por parte de las usuarias. Conclusión: para favorecer el resguardo de las usuarias, los enfermeros participantes proponen una consulta de Enfermería y un plan de acción multiprofesional, resaltando las singularidades de cada mujer.

Development and psychometric properties of the human papillomavirus-quality of life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire to assess the impact of HPV on women health-related-quality-of-life.

PURPOSE: The HPV-Quality-of-Life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire was developed to determine the impact of Human-Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related interventions on women health-related quality-of-life. This study provides the development and preliminary psychometric properties of a novel HPV-QoL questionnaire for adult women with HPV. METHODS: After reviewing literature and cognitive debriefing interviews in women who had experienced HPV-related conditions, instrument items and domains were developed. A draft questionnaire was pilot tested for comprehension and ease of completion. Psychometric evaluation of the final HPV-QoL scale was conducted in a psychometric study including 252 adult women derived to our centre by a positive HPV test in the cervical cancer screening program and/or presenting genital warts. RESULTS: The present study reveals that the HPV-QoL questionnaire, structured in four domains: general well-being [including psychological well-being and social well-being subdomains], health, contagiousness and sexuality, showed good metric properties of feasibility irrespective of age or educational level, and time to administer was less than 5 min. Internal consistency and temporal stability (reliability) showed values above the acceptable standards. The instrument showed its concurrent validity by means of a significant correlation with mental and sexual existing instruments; GHQ-12 and FSFI questionnaires, respectively, and also known groups validity showing significant differences among the subgroups regarding either sexual dysfunction or mental deterioration. CONCLUSION: This study provides an HPV-QoL questionnaire with an innovative patient-reported outcomes specific measurement tool to assess HRQoL in women with HPV infection. The present study suggests this questionnaire has satisfactory psychometric properties, including validity and reliability. Results support the use of the HPV-QoL questionnaire as a HRQoL measurement instrument for daily medical practice and clinical research.

Clinicians' perceptions of barriers to cervical cancer screening for women living with behavioral health conditions: a focus group study.

BACKGROUND: Women with behavioral health (BH) conditions (e.g., mental illness and substance abuse) receive fewer cervical cancer (CC) screenings, are diagnosed at more advanced cancer stages, and are less likely to receive specialized treatments. The aim of this study was to identify barriers that healthcare providers face in providing CC screening to women with BH conditions. METHODS: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we conducted four focus groups in North Florida with 26 primary care and BH clinicians and staff to examine perceived barriers to CC screening among their patients with BH conditions to guide the future development of a tailored cervical cancer screening and follow-up intervention. Thematic analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts from audiotaped focus groups. RESULTS: Three main themes of barriers emerged from the data: 1) BH conditions related barriers included a history of trauma, stigma and discrimination, and uncontrolled comorbid conditions, 2) System level barriers related to lack of integration between BH and primary care, and 3) Similar barriers to the general population including lack of health insurance, insufficient processes to send out reminders, and challenges with communicating with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored CC screening interventions that address the unique needs of women with BH conditions are needed. Strategies that address improving trust between patients and healthcare providers, identifying avenues to improve receipt of screening during time-limited clinical visits, connecting BH and primary care providers, and addressing the social determinants of health have potential to improve CC screening rates for women with BH conditions.

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on alleviating anxiety and depression in postoperative patients with cervical cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for cervical cancer, as a stressor, largely leads to strong psychological reactions to stress like anxiety and depression. Whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can alleviate anxiety and depression in patients after cervical cancer surgery is controversial. Therefore, we aim to perform a meta-analysis involving randomized controlled trials analyzing the effect of MBSR on alleviating anxiety and depression in patients after cervical cancer surgery, thus providing evidence-based medical evidences for nonpharmacological interventions. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials analyzing the effect of MBSR on alleviating anxiety and depression in patients after cervical cancer surgery will be searched in online databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Repositories, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Science Citation Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wan Fang Data. After screening eligible studies, we will perform a meta-analysis on the effect of MBSR on alleviating anxiety and depression in patients after cervical cancer surgery. RESULTS: The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION: This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidences for the effects of MBSR on alleviating anxiety and depression in patients after cervical cancer surgery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was not required for this study. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences, and shared on social media platforms. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/EXUM3.

Health Care System View of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Acceptability by Emirati Men.

This is the most frequent sexually transmitted illness on the planet, and both men and women are equally vulnerable. HPV is associated with a broad variety of female disorders, including 99 percent of all cervical cancer cases. Specifically, the goal and contributions of this study are to determine Emirati men's opinions about the HPV vaccination, specifically whether they would use it themselves or allow their female relatives to use the vaccine. To collect the primary data, a statistical cross-sectional survey was conducted. This quantitative study was conducted using primary sources of data. A questionnaire survey with a sample size of 390 participants was used to collect data from 400 individuals. Male university students in the United Arab Emirati men have a weak grasp of HPV and are averse to vaccination (Ortashi et al., 2013). The percentage of Emirati men who accept the HPV vaccination is 37%. A total of 40.3% of the respondents opted not to participate in the survey at all. Eighty-six percent of the women surveyed had heard of cervical cancer, and one-third believed that they were at risk in the future. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed said that the HPV vaccination was safe, while 26% said it was unsafe. Respondents were just 3.1 percent vaccinated, and their family members were only 87% not vaccinated.

A qualitative exploration of physical and psychosocial well-being in the short and long term after treatments for cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is predominantly a cancer of younger women, and improvements in oncological outcomes have led to an increase in cervical cancer survivors living with the long-term effects of treatment. Understanding the recovery process after treatment is essential to increase awareness of the short- and long-term needs of survivors. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the recovery process and return to daily activity of cervical cancers survivors from a biopsychosocial perspective. METHODS: Participants were 21 women treated for cervical cancer between the ages of 18 and 60 years, living in the United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken face to face and via the telephone using a semi-structured interview schedule. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed themes which represented participants' experience and perceptions of treatment as a paradox; emotional needs after treatment; and a journey of adversarial growth. A key finding from this analysis was the nuanced experiences between treatment modalities, with physical changes perceived to be more disruptive following radical treatments, whilst psychological repercussions were significant regardless of treatment type. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insight into the varied recovery experiences of those treated with surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer, which can be used to improve the survivorship experience.

Communities' perceptions towards cervical cancer and its screening in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm from cells originating in the cervix uteri. Any woman who is sexually active is at risk of getting HPV. Women in sub-Saharan Africa region have higher chance of developing the disease. There are nearly 26 million Ethiopian women who are over the age of 15 and believed to be at risk of getting HPV. Regrettably, Ethiopian women typically present for cervical cancer care at a late stage in the disease, where treatment is most ineffective. OBJECTIVES: To explore communities' perceptions of cervical cancer and screening among women in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A qualitative research using focused group discussions and in-depth interviews was used to explore communities' perceptions of cervical cancer and screening among women in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia from March 2018-November 2019. The study participants were men, women and communities who were residents of the study settings and were not health professionals. All focused group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews were transcribed and entered into Microsoft Word and thematic content analysis was done. RESULTS: A total of fifty-nine participants participated in both FGD (three with men and six with women) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). Most participants have not heard about cervical cancer but know cancer in general. Participants mentioned that the disease usually relates to many births and unprotected sexual intercourse but none mentioned HPV infection. Most of the participants perceive that cervical cancer is incurable and assume that it could be prevented but they think they are not vulnerable to the disease and screening is not necessary. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that rural communities in the zone had limited knowledge about cervical cancer and even less about risk factors, screening, treatment and prevention. There is a great need for cancer education and prevention in Ethiopia.