Factors contributing to delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer in human immunodeficiency virus-positive women
Frenzar M. Tshiruruvhela, Mbuyisa J. Makhubu, Gert J.O. Marincowitz, Clara Marincowitz · 2025
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Description
Frenzar Tshiruruvhela and co-authors explore, in twenty twenty-five, why cervical cancer is found late in women living with HIV at a hospital in Limpopo, South Africa. Cervical cancer is more common in HIV-positive women and often advanced at diagnosis. The team ran a qualitative study: individual interviews with purposively sampled women who had HIV and cervical cancer. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. Four themes emerged.
First, women saw Pap smears as a diagnostic test for symptoms, not as screening. Second, fear and embarrassment delayed them. Third, many consulted traditional healers first. Fourth, system faults delayed diagnosis: missing equipment, weak follow-up, low suspicion, and staff unwilling to do the test. The authors call for patient education and health worker training.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Frenzar M. Tshiruruvhela, Mbuyisa J. Makhubu, Gert J.O. Marincowitz, Clara Marincowitz |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2025 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 25 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |