Internal medicine

Sociology

Business

Qualitative research

Cancer screening

Government (linguistics)

Cervical cancer

Nepali

Cervical screening

Social science

Family medicine

Cancer

Literature

Nursing

Marketing

Philosophy

Gynecology

Linguistics

Cervical cancer screening

Focus group

Medicine

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Nepal, a country where there is no nationwide screening programme. Hence, the objective was to investigate and better understand Nepali women's perceptions on barriers to participation in cervical cancer screening and what might facilitate their participation. A qualitative study design with focus group discussions was employed and women were purposively invited. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using manifest content analysis. Women had misconceptions about the screening and low levels of knowledge. Sociocultural barriers, service providers' behaviour, geographical challenges, and limited finances were all perceived as obstacles to attending screening centres. Facilitating factors, such as participation in awareness programmes and support from family and women's groups, may convince women to attend screening clinics. The findings contribute information on Nepalese women's perceptions of cervical cancer screening. They may serve to support the Government of Nepal's promotion of cervical cancer screening and treatment as a right for all Nepali women, whenever necessary.

Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in Nepal: A qualitative study