Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer Screening in Northern Uganda: Qualitative Insights from Healthcare Workers and Administrators.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common cancer among Ugandan women and the leading cause of cancer mortality. Screening has proven to be a cost-effective method in reducing its burden, yet uptake among women of reproductive age remains alarmingly low, with national adherence rates under 10%.

Objective

This study explored healthcare workers' (HWs) perspectives on barriers and facilitators to screening and attitudes toward implementing human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing with self-collection.

Methods

A qualitative research design was employed. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled healthcare providers and administrators across different cadres at a referral hospital and three peripheral health centres in Northern Uganda.

SUBMITTER: Felisi NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12651664 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature