Experiences of a group of indigenous women from the Colombian Amazon with cervical cancer prevention screening. Qualitative study in the context of participatory research to reduce inequalities

Objectives: Despite cervical cancer (CC) being a preventabledisease, its incidence remains high in marginalized communitiesdue to inequalities that restrict access to health services. Thisarticle investigates the experiences, perceptions, and attitudesregarding the screening of indigenous women in a region of theColombian Amazon during a cervical cancer prevention initiativefacilitated by community participation.Design: Qualitative study based on interviews conducted withwomen and indigenous leaders from Paujil reserve. Theyparticipated in research focused on cervical cancer prevention,which employed a methodology of collaboration betweenacademia and communities aimed at enhancing women’s healthand reducing inequalities in access to healthcare services. Theanalysis utilized a deductive and inductive approach.Results: Five main themes were addressed: ‘Barriers within healthservices’; ‘Individual and cultural constraints’; ‘Motivations andfacilitators’; ‘Positive experiences within the research framework’;and ‘Suggestions for encouraging women’s participation.’Challenges related to appointment scheduling and result deliverywere frequently cited as obstacles to access. Misinformation,feelings of shame, fear, and distrust towards health servicesplayed significant roles in the reluctance to undergo screening.Factors such as support from family and community networks,respectful treatment, ease of scheduling appointments, thepresence of female healthcare professionals, and involvement ofleaders fluent in indigenous languages were identified as positivefacilitators of screening acceptance.Conclusion: Understanding the factors that influence access toscreening is crucial for reducing inequalities in service delivery forindigenous women. The involvement of trained leaders who canidentify these factors and motivate women can have a positiveimpact on the acceptance and guidance of cervical cancerprevention programs

• Autores: SARMIENTO MEDINA, MARIA INES; Velásquez Jiménez, Claudia Marcela; Ortiz-Hernández, Natalia
• Tipo de recurso: Article of investigation
• Fecha de publicación: 2024
• Institución: Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A
• Repositorio: Repositorio Institucional UDCA
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:repository.udca.edu.co:11158/6031
• Acceso en línea: https://repository.udca.edu.co/handle/11158/6031; https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2024.2387112
• Palabra clave: 610 - Medicina y salud::616 - Enfermedades; Salud de la Mujer; Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino; Tamizaje Masivo; Mujeres indígenas
• Rights: openAccess
• License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode.es