“If I Had Known Earlier, I Would Have Done the Test”: Exploring Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Nepal, Through Insights from a Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundCervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nepalese women, despite being preventable through primary and secondary interventions. The lack of a national screening program has resulted in strikingly low screening uptake. This study explores patients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to increasing participation. MethodologyA mixed-method study was conducted in Bharatpur, Nepal. Patients were recruited by convenience sampling at B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital and through a registry list to participate in a concurrent structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Quantitative data on demographics, clinical variables, screening practices, and behaviours were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ² -tests. Qualitative data on knowledge, cultural influences, and barriers to screening were analysed thematically and triangulated with quantitative findings. ResultsA total of 100 women were recruited for the questionnaire. The mean age was 54 and 14% had participated in screening. Participants with prior screening attendance were significantly more likely to receive earlier diagnosis and those who went to regular check-ups were significantly more likely to participate in screening, as well receiving early diagnosis. Twelve women were interviewed, uncovering barriers related to limited knowledge, self-perceived health, reliance on traditional practices, and financial and logistical challenges. ConclusionCervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nepal, driven by low screening uptake. This study highlights the importance of community-based education and gender-sensitive, localized and affordable healthcare services. Leveraging family support, traditional healers, and Female Community Health Volunteers could strengthen efforts to improve screening participation and reduce its high incidence

“If I Had Known Earlier, I Would Have Done the Test”: Exploring Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Nepal, Through Insights from a Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundCervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nepalese women, despite being preventable through primary and secondary interventions. The lack of a national screening program has resulted in strikingly low screening uptake. This study explores patients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to increasing participation. MethodologyA mixed-method study was conducted in Bharatpur, Nepal. Patients were recruited by convenience sampling at B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital and through a registry list to participate in a concurrent structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Quantitative data on demographics, clinical variables, screening practices, and behaviours were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ² -tests. Qualitative data on knowledge, cultural influences, and barriers to screening were analysed thematically and triangulated with quantitative findings. ResultsA total of 100 women were recruited for the questionnaire. The mean age was 54 and 14% had participated in screening. Participants with prior screening attendance were significantly more likely to receive earlier diagnosis and those who went to regular check-ups were significantly more likely to participate in screening, as well receiving early diagnosis. Twelve women were interviewed, uncovering barriers related to limited knowledge, self-perceived health, reliance on traditional practices, and financial and logistical challenges. ConclusionCervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nepal, driven by low screening uptake. This study highlights the importance of community-based education and gender-sensitive, localized and affordable healthcare services. Leveraging family support, traditional healers, and Female Community Health Volunteers could strengthen efforts to improve screening participation and reduce its high incidence

“If I Had Known Earlier, I Would Have Done the Test”: Exploring Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Nepal, Through Insights from a Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundCervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nepalese women, despite being preventable through primary and secondary interventions. The lack of a national screening program has resulted in strikingly low screening uptake. This study explores patients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to increasing participation. MethodologyA mixed-method study was conducted in Bharatpur, Nepal. Patients were recruited by convenience sampling at B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital and through a registry list to participate in a concurrent structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Quantitative data on demographics, clinical variables, screening practices, and behaviours were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ² -tests. Qualitative data on knowledge, cultural influences, and barriers to screening were analysed thematically and triangulated with quantitative findings. ResultsA total of 100 women were recruited for the questionnaire. The mean age was 54 and 14% had participated in screening. Participants with prior screening attendance were significantly more likely to receive earlier diagnosis and those who went to regular check-ups were significantly more likely to participate in screening, as well receiving early diagnosis. Twelve women were interviewed, uncovering barriers related to limited knowledge, self-perceived health, reliance on traditional practices, and financial and logistical challenges. ConclusionCervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nepal, driven by low screening uptake. This study highlights the importance of community-based education and gender-sensitive, localized and affordable healthcare services. Leveraging family support, traditional healers, and Female Community Health Volunteers could strengthen efforts to improve screening participation and reduce its high incidence