Barriers and facilitators for implementation of HPV-based cervical cancer screening in Tanzania
A qualitative study among healthcare providers, stakeholders, and Tanzanian women
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19529687 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karen Grønlund Madsen (0009-0004-9555-5603, University of Southern Denmark, corresponding author), Julie Skipper Mosgaard (0009-0009-0104-6960, University of Southern Denmark), Martha Oshosen (0000-0002-7356-2536, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre), Patricia Swai (0000-0002-2272-8743, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre), Julius Mwaiselage (0000-0002-0322-9981, Ocean Road Cancer Institute), Vibeke Rasch (0000-0001-6557-0985, University of Southern Denmark), Ditte Søndergaard Linde (0000-0002-0851-6760, University of Southern Denmark) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 2491852-2491852 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Global Health Action (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/16549716.2025.2491852 |
| PMID | 40270234 |
| OpenAlex | W4409775059 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 25 |
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Tanzania and the most common form of cancer among Tanzanian women. Screening attendance remains among the lowest globally, necessitating improved attendance and screening methods. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing the World Health Organization's 2021 hPV-based screening guideline in Tanzania by identifying potential barriers and facilitators to HPV-based screening among screening clients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders. METHODS: = 9) in Moshi and Dar es Salaam. Data were analyzed using a deductive framework based on Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecological Model, supplemented with inductive subcategories from the transcripts. RESULTS: Barriers and facilitators emerged across all levels of the Social Ecological Model. At the individual level, clinic-based screening and a one-visit approach were barriers, while HPV-self-sampling was a facilitator. Interpersonal barriers included limited social support, while referrals served as facilitators. Community-level barriers included fear and misconceptions, countered by facilitators such as increased awareness and health education. Health system challenges included restrictive age limits and urbanization of human resources, with uptake through other health services acted as a facilitator. Political barriers highlighted the need for a steady local supply chain, while cost reduction could serve as a facilitator for guideline implementation. CONCLUSION: WHO's 2021 hPV-based screening guideline shows promise in Tanzania, but barriers such as clinic availability, fear, misconceptions, and supply chain issues must be addressed to ensure successful implementation
Cancer · Cervical cancer · Developing country · Economic growth · Family medicine · Health care · Political science · Qualitative research · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Tanzania · Advances in Oncology and Radiotherapy · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Medicine · Nursing
Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018
Global estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2020
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
Global Cancer Statistics 2020
HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening promotion among Black individuals
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |