Perspectives of women and healthcare providers on facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening in the rural Kilimanjaro region Tanzania

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID24217197
AuthorsRogathe F Machange (0009-0009-2199-0238, KCMC University), Bernard Njau (0000-0002-7143-8400, KCMC University), Chauka Mtuya (0009-0006-4203-9941, KCMC University), Victor Katiti (0009-0003-4901-8551, KCMC University), Lyidia Masika (0000-0002-1623-1634, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre), Bariki Mchome (0000-0003-4788-8660, KCMC University), Eva Johanna Kantelhardt (0000-0001-7935-719X, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg), Mirgissa Kaba (0000-0002-8093-5900, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg), Blandina T Mmbaga (0000-0002-5550-1916, KCMC University), Declare Mushi (0000-0003-4742-9376, KCMC University), G Björling (0000-0003-1445-900X, KCMC University), Rachel Manongi (0000-0003-3841-974X, KCMC University)
Year2026
Volume19
Issue1
Pages2735552-2735552
Publication date2026-12-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Health Action (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/16549716.2026.2735552
PMID42802903
OpenAlexW4413031499
LanguageEN
References cited34

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated if detected early through regular screening. However, 88% of women aged 30 to 49 have never been screened in Tanzania. OBJECTIVE: This study explored facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among women and healthcare providers in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior model. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was employed; data were collected from March to October 2024. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 54 women aged 30-50 years, and twelve in-depth individual interviews with healthcare providers. Data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using QDA Miner Lite v2.0.8. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged, each with sub-themes: (1) knowledge about cervical cancer and screening (disparities in knowledge between screened and non-screened women; healthcare providers' knowledge and training needs; age and parity as knowledge mediators); (2) power of social influence (social facilitation; social barriers); (3) emotional and structural influences on cervical cancer screening (emotional barriers and coping; structural and logistical barriers); and (4) enhancing cervical cancer screening uptake (targeted community education and outreach; improving service accessibility). Barriers include limited knowledge, misconceptions, fear of pain and positive results, limited access to services, and a shortage of trained healthcare providers. Social support from families, peers, community leaders, and healthcare providers was identified as a strong facilitator. CONCLUSION: Increasing cervical cancer screening uptake in rural communities requires targeted, theory-informed interventions that incorporate education to enhance awareness, strengthen social support, and improve health services.

barriers to screening · Cervical cancer screening · COM-B model · Community participation · facilitators of screening · fear of positive results · health care access · health workforce shortage · healthcare workers · Kilimanjaro region · Rural health · screening uptake · Social influence · Social support · Theoretical Domains Framework · Women's health · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Women's cancer prevention and management

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