Exploring Effective Contextual Factors for Regular Cervical Cancer Screening in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Adherence to regular screening programs for cervical cancer in Iranian women is not common.<br />The aim of this study was to explore contextual factors influencing behavior and compliance with guidelines.<br />Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted in 2016-2017 in Hamadan city, Iran. Semi-structured<br />in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 participants who were selected purposefully on referring to health centers.<br />Twenty-three were women with various experiences of cervical cancer screening and 8 were health care providers<br />(4 midwives, 1 gynecologist, 1 general practitioner and 1 family health expert). Guba and Lincoln criteria were used<br />for tustworthiness. MAXQDA10 software was employed for data analysis. Results: Four themes were extracted from<br />the data: an opportunity maker system, opportunities to become acquainted, concerns for healthy living, and perception<br />of cancer. Conclusion: The results showed sensitivity of health care providers and their appropriate performance<br />in relation to regular screening behavior of women is very important. Women's perception of cancer and its curability<br />is another factor with a major effect on screening behavior. Opportunities for people to become acquainted with the<br />Pap smear in a variety of ways and concern for healthy living and the need to have a healthy life to ensure quality<br />of life were also found to be important.