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Understanding Cervical Cancer Screening Barriers among Migrant Women: A Qualitative Study with Healthcare and Community Workers in Portugal

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  • Patrícia Marques

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Ana Gama

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Mário Santos

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Bruno Heleno

    (Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
    NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Heleen Vermandere

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Sónia Dias

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

Cervical cancer screening (CCS) has been proven to reducing mortality of cervical cancer; yet migrant women show a lower participation in screening compared to non-migrants. This study explores the perspectives of healthcare workers and community workers on the factors influencing the CCS participation of migrant women living in Portugal. A qualitative study with online focus groups was conducted. Healthcare workers experienced in CCS and community workers working with migrant communities were purposively sampled. A semi-structured guide was used covering the participation of migrant women in CCS, barriers, and strategies to overcome them. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Participants considered that migrant women have low participation in CCS related to insufficient knowledge, low risk perception, and lack of interest on preventive care. Other barriers such as difficulties in accessing the healthcare services, relationship with healthcare workers, language, and cultural differences were highlighted. Promoting continuity of care, disseminating culturally tailored information, and use of self-sampling methods were suggested to improve participation in CCS. Inequalities in access to CCS among migrant women are mostly caused by information gaps and healthcare system-related barriers. Building a migrant-friendly healthcare system that creates opportunities for healthcare workers to establish relationships with their patients and delivering culturally and linguistically adapted information may contribute to overcoming those barriers and increasing the participation of migrant women in screening.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrícia Marques & Ana Gama & Mário Santos & Bruno Heleno & Heleen Vermandere & Sónia Dias, 2021. "Understanding Cervical Cancer Screening Barriers among Migrant Women: A Qualitative Study with Healthcare and Community Workers in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7248-:d:589606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gallo, Federica & Caprioglio, Adele & Castagno, Roberta & Ronco, Guglielmo & Segnan, Nereo & Giordano, Livia, 2017. "Inequalities in cervical cancer screening utilisation and results: A comparison between Italian natives and immigrants from disadvantaged countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(10), pages 1072-1078.
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