Access and Use of Information on Cervical Cancer Prevention among Rural Women in Mtwara, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was designed to assess access to and use of information for the prevention of cervical cancer among rural women in Tanzania with specific reference to Mtwara Region. The study used a mixed method research involving quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting data from women in different villages and health facilities within Mtwara Rural District. A total of 310 women of the reproductive ages were recruited conveniently. Quantitative data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed by the SPSS software, while qualitative data from doctors and nurses was collected through in-depth interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the majority of women have heard about cervical cancer.  The majority of women acknowledged the fact that pap smear / visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid were common methods used to screen for cervical cancer. It has been noted that the radio and televisions are the main sources of information used by rural women. Furthermore, health workers and the radio were the most useful sources of information about the prevention of cervical cancer among rural women. It was further revealed that women of the reproductive ages experience challenges that include language, illiteracy and delay of information about prevention of cervical cancer. The study recommends that the government and health professionals should continue creating awareness, establish health information resource centres, train health professionals and establish mass campaigns and educational programmes. Rural women should continue visiting health facilities, use various sources of health information and participate in mass campaigns about prevention of cervical cancer.