Healthcare Providers and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Bonnah Juliet, Awuah Baffour, Williams Michelle S.
Hypothesis
What are healthcare providers' perceptions about women's cervical cancer prevention behaviors and their practices for recommending cervical cancer prevention services?
Conclusion
Healthcare providers in Ghana significantly influence cervical cancer prevention but need more training to effectively engage in shared decision making with patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Healthcare providers are the main source of cervical cancer information for their patients.
- Many providers acknowledged their inadequate knowledge about cervical cancer.
- Providers often seek their patients' opinions when recommending prevention services.
- Most recommendations occur when patients show suggestive symptoms.
- Providers address patients' concerns by educating and reassuring them.
- Cost, lack of knowledge, and cultural beliefs influence patients' health-seeking behavior.
Takeaway
Doctors in Ghana help women understand cervical cancer and suggest ways to prevent it, but they need more training to do this better.
Methodology
In-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers and analyzed using in-vivo coding and thematic content analysis.
Limitations
Limited data on the role of healthcare providers in shared decision making for cervical cancer prevention.
Participant Demographics
Healthcare providers working at healthcare institutions in Ghana.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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