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. 2025 Apr 7;25(1):1303.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22524-7.

Factors that contribute to women's reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening in clinics of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Thembi Victoria Chabalala  1 , Eric Maimela  1 , Reneilwe Given Mashaba  2 , Cairo Bruce Ntimana  3 , Tshifhiwa Sinky Netshapapame  1 , Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha  2
Affiliations

Factors that contribute to women's reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening in clinics of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Thembi Victoria Chabalala et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a prevalent global health issue, ranking as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer, with a high rate of mortality among women as compared to breast cancer. The present study aimed to examine factors contributing to women's reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening in South African clinics, in Limpopo Province.

Methods: This study used exploratory and descriptive qualitative design, conducted at five clinics in the Greater Giyani municipality in Limpopo Province among women aged 30 years and older. The clinics were chosen based on their low performance in cervical cancer screening between 2018 and 2020. Data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data was analysed using Tesch's open coding method.

Results: The present study revealed factors affecting reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening. Three themes and their respective subthemes emerged from the analysis. The study noted a lack of knowledge relating to the causes, risk factors, and signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Experiences that affected participants' reluctance to undergo cervical cancer screening included stereotyping of women regarding male health workers who provide screening services and pain associated with screening procedures. There were also challenges related to the accessibility of results to patients, fear of cancer diagnosis, and long waiting times at clinics.

Conclusion: While women generally have an awareness of who is at risk for cervical cancer and its signs and symptoms, various experiences and obstacles deter them from undergoing screening. Health information and education that emphasises the significance of preventing cervical cancer with efforts aimed at reaching women who seldom visit healthcare facilities is needed.

Keywords: Awareness; Cervical cancer; Screening; Women.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The researchers followed ethical guidelines throughout the study. Approval was first obtained from the University of Limpopo’s Research Ethics Committee and the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) (TREC/83/2023:PG). Permission was then requested from the Limpopo Department of Health to conduct the research. Once granted, the researcher sought further approval from Mopani District and clinic operational managers before starting the study. With all necessary permissions secured, the researcher was allowed access to the participants. The participants were informed that taking part in the study was on a voluntary basis and they were informed that they could withdraw from the study anytime. All participants who took part in the study signed informed consent forms. Additionally, Participants were assured that their recorded interviews would remain anonymous and confidential by using codes in place of their names. The data were securely stored, with hard copies locked away and electronic files protected by passwords on computers. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated agency of the authors.

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