Challenges regarding the implementation of cervical cancer screening guidelines in Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to eliminate cervical cancer is essential in improving structures and processes at primary healthcare facilities by galvanising change in providing cervical cancer screening services.

Aim: The main objective of this study was to explore challenges affecting the implementation of cervical cancer screening guidelines in selected districts in Limpopo Province.

Setting: The study was carried out at primary health care services (PHCs) in Vhembe and Mopani districts, Limpopo province.

Methods: Qualitative non-experimental research design of an exploratory, descriptive and contextual nature of a qualitative paradigm to understand cervical cancer screening programme challenges from healthcare professionals’ perspectives. The study population comprised two males and 16 female professional registered nurses working in Limpopo province’s PHC services. The sample size was 18 professional nurses. A face-to-face interview guided by unstructured questionnaires was undertaken to elicit information regarding the implementation of cervical cancer screening services. Captured data were analysed using Tesch’s open-coding method.

Results: The study revealed that the cervical cancer guidelines were not effectively implemented as there were contradictions and gaps when applying the guidelines about the management of HIV and AIDS, age restrictions and gestation. Furthermore, structural factors contributed to the inadequacy rate and failure to reach the set targets.

Conclusion: Primary health care is an essential health care and human right; therefore, the government should ensure that guidelines and policies are supported financially and that professional nurses are capacitated for the efficient implementation of services.

Contribution: Addressing the inequalities in the implementation of social policies for the prevention of cervical cancer prevention and improving the nurses’ knowledge and practice behaviour regarding cervical cancer prevention are imperative.