Why Women Needing Pre-Cervical Cancer Care are Lost to Follow-Up in Peru
Author Information
Author(s): Blum Alex C., Tessema Rachael, Nussbaum Lauren, Hidalgo Cristina, López E. Jennifer Ríos, Meza-Sánchez Graciela, Morse Rachel, Brown Joanna, Reategui Reyles Rios, Wong Lucía, Córdova Luis Díaz, Diaz Karina Gonzales, Liñán Renso López, Vásquez Javier Vásquez, Tracy J. Kathleen, Paz-Soldan Valerie A.
Hypothesis
What are the barriers preventing women with cervical lesions from receiving follow-up care in Iquitos, Peru?
Conclusion
Women at high risk of developing cervical cancer are still being lost to follow-up after being referred to the hospital for care.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients expressed the need for better communication between levels of care.
- Patients suggested implementing a patient navigation program.
- Barriers identified included limited understanding of treatment steps and the need for multiple hospital visits.
- Healthcare professionals agreed with the barriers and suggested prioritizing high-risk patients.
Takeaway
Some women who need help for cervical cancer are not getting it because they don't understand the steps they need to take, have to make many trips to the hospital, and don't get enough follow-up from doctors.
Methodology
In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with HPV-positive women and healthcare professionals, followed by thematic analysis and group discussions.
Limitations
The study may not capture all barriers faced by women as it is based on interviews with a limited sample size.
Participant Demographics
HPV-positive women requiring hospital-level follow-up care for cervical lesions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website