Low-Cost Interventions to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Problem identification: Cervical cancer (CC) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Although screening can reduce CC incidence, screening programs are difficult to implement in resource-limited countries, making innovative interventions necessary.

Literature search: PubMed®, MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for studies published within the past five years that explored interventions to improve CC screening.

Data evaluation: Of the 486 articles identified, 35 were included in the review. The evidence was summarized, analyzed, and organized by theme.

Synthesis: Several low-cost interventions improved aspects of CC screening, most of which were associated with a significant increase in adherence and uptake. Other interventions led to better baseline knowledge and involvement among patients and healthcare providers and a higher proportion of patients receiving treatment. Screening programs can use single or multiple approaches and match them to the local conditions and available resources.

Implications for practice: By understanding the various interventions that can mitigate CC incidence, healthcare providers can select the best approach to reach women eligible for CC screening.

Keywords: cervical cancer; interventions; mass screening; uterine cervical neoplasms.