The influence of gender roles and traditional healing on cervical screening adherence amongst women in a Cape Town peri-urban settlement

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide and is the second most common cancer among South African women. Although entirely preventable, cervical cancer is responsible for the death of approximately 3 027, 53% of those diagnosed, South Africa women annually. A variety of factors influence women’s cervical screening adherence. Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted with female residents in Khayelitsha. Data from the focus group discussion was analysed using thematic analysis whereby emergent themes and subthemes were identified and reported. Results: The study confirmed previous findings around screening barriers amongst women residing in other Cape Town peri-urban settlements. New information regarding the influence of gender inequalities and traditional healers on screening adherence also emerged. Conclusion: The incorporation of men into cervical screening intervention programmes and the integration of traditional healers meaningfully into the health care system appear to be vital in improving adherence to screening. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2015; DOI:10.1080/20786190.2014.978096