Motivational factors for cervical screening participation among women living in an urban slum settlement in Nigeria

Qualitative Report on Community Intervention Programme

Abstract

Cervical cancer screening is a known and effective method of early detection, treatment, and reducing the burden of the disease. However, there is a very low screening coverage in Nigeria, especially amongst the women living in the economically disadvantaged slum populations in the city. This study investigated the level of cervical cancer awareness and explored the reaction of women to a free-of-charge screening service in Makoko, an urban slum which is located in Lagos, Nigeria. The community-based two-day screening outreach initiative on cervical cancer was held at the local market square and did not consist of any registration or service fee. In-depth interview participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique with a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed to reveal the influential factors that mattered in participation. Findings revealed that thin awareness about cervical cancer and high financial barriers were the key barriers to screening among many. Women stated that free services, provided in a community setting, are a powerful incentive to attend. The paper emphasizes the urgency of enhancing grassroots awareness and introducing affordable and accessible screening models to increase the level at which urban communities, which are underserved, would be protected against cervical cancer.