Impact factors of Cervical Cancer Screening in Muslim Womenat Nongjok District, Bangkok

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer found among Thai women. This study is a qualitative-based, aimed to study factor related to cervical cancer screening in Muslim women at Nongjok District, Bangkok. Subjects included 61 Muslim women living in 3 communities. Total 23 Muslim women, aged 35 to 60 years and a group of 26 Muslim women aged to 60 years had never been subjected to cervical cancer screening, whereas, a group of 12 Muslim women attended an annual cervical cancer screening. Random sampling was deployed to select samples
among the service recipients through lottery at the Community Health Center. Data were collected by means of interview and recorded tape. Personal data were analyzed using percentage, and focus group to sum up the content. The results suggested the reasons for Muslim women failed to show up for screening, first on personal factors comprised of lacking knowledge and attitude understanding on cervical cancer, ashamed of undress in front of the doctor , ignoring the symptom of sickness until neglecting to screen cervical cancer. Reinforcing factor or Family
factors were receiving husband encouragement and permission before screening family and work and family burden, servicing, social support, health provider, and none of disseminated information. As for service provider, they were the service system, health provider attitudes and neglecting to inform about procedures before screening and never received any information. The findings from personal factor indicated that Muslim women who had attended cervical cancer screening were well aware of cervical cancer and afraid to get sick. Regarding the health officer’s assistance, they provide good and standard services with timely screening, having female service providers and open for services during and beyond regular office hours. This research recommends setting up the proactive project to encourage cervical cancer screening as well as provide service beyond regular office hours and promote more female service providers