Perceived barriers by health care professionals to cervical cancer screening in indigenous women of Juchitan, Oaxaca

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a public health problem in Mexico. Rural and Indigenous women have a higher risk of dying from this disease. The study of the barriers to cervical cancer screening in indigenous population in Mexico is limited. Purpose: Objective: To identify structural, psychosocial and cultural barriers perceived by health care professionals to cervical cancer screening in indigenous women of Juchitán. Method: Exploratory-descriptive study with qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews with health care professionals in public and private centers in Juchitán were conducted. Intentional sampling by quotas was used. There were 9 participants in 7 randomly selected clinics. Content analysis was performed. Results: Structural, psychosocial and cultural barriers were identified. Delay in delivery of results, lack of materials, specific spaces and human resources, misinformation, fear of receiving “bad news” and fear of pain, sexualitytaboos, partner´s attitudes related to the test, prejudices and lack of translators who support thecommunication between the women and the personnel in the health system, were the most salientbarriers to screening. Conclusions: There is misinformation about cervical cancer and screening inthis population; prejudices and myths about the disease were reported. There was a lack of intereston the part of health workers in the promotion of preventive cervical cancer programs, even showingdiscriminatory behavior. Informing the population in their language, caring and being empatheticbefore the body›s exposure and designing inclusive health policies are fundamental aspects toconsider and develop in local programs.