Imparting Knowledge to Others: A Qualitative Study Exploring How Ethiopian Women Prefer to Receive Cervical Cancer Education

Abstract

PURPOSE Cervical cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women in Ethiopia. While preventable through timely screening, there is a low uptake of cancer screening among women due to low awareness and education. Cervical cancer screening practices are essential in decreasing morbidity from disease. We aim to explore Ethiopian women's preferences for cancer education and how that influences their decision to be screened or not. METHODS In 2022, four focus group discussions (n=50) were conducted in Adama, Ethiopia after completing the informed consent process. Audio recordings were translated and transcribed verbatim, analyzed by a student research team (RT, NR, TT) using iterative content analysis. Using Dedoose software, a codebook was developed, and excerpts were inductively and deductively coded for major, minor, and emergent themes, and direct participant quotes were used to illustrate participants cancer education and screening decision-making preferences. RESULTS Most participants had never been screened for cervical cancer (70%) and almost half had no formal education (44%). They expressed the importance of group and family-based education. Involvement of their spouses, children, and other relatives was highly relevant to the need of ‘family suppor’ at the psychological and financial level during one's decision to get screened. Group education at the hospital-level and ‘home to home’ engagement was also expressed in the need for ‘imparting knowledge to others’ in the community. To enhance patient-provider communication, peer education was described as a facilitator to education to ‘ease the process and encourage exchange of information' between patients and their providers. Finally, common suggestions included educating a patient about screening methods for complete understanding of testing procedures and increasing cancer awareness through ‘community sensitization' CONCLUSION These qualitative findings can inform the development of culturally sensitive and health-literate educational interventions that increase cervical cancer knowledge and promote equitable healthcare access and outcomes in Ethiopia. Recommendations include focusing on improved patient-provider communication and family-oriented education. It is important to address cancer stigma and misconceptions to increase uptake of life-saving screening. It is also important to examine how these factors impact patient-provider relationships and necessitate improved education strategies to reduce barriers in health communication for cancer prevention.