Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2020 Sep-Oct;31(5):497-516. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000194.

Abstract

Women living with HIV in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of developing cervical cancer due to their immunocompromised status. Screening is an imperative prevention measure for early detection and for ultimately reducing high rates of cervical cancer; however, cervical cancer screening uptake among this group remains low. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers to cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in LMIC. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken, and an analysis of included studies was completed to abstract major themes related to cervical cancer screening barriers for women living with HIV in LMIC. Lack of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening knowledge among patients was found to be the most prevalent barrier to cervical cancer screening. Our findings highlight a dire need for interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in LMIC, along with addressing barriers within health care systems.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Appointments and Schedules
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Developing Countries
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / psychology
  • Vaginal Smears / adverse effects*
  • Vaginal Smears / psychology