Maternal-child communication about cervical cancer, HPV, and sexual health among South Africa women

Although Pap tests can detect changes in the cervix and early stage cervical cancer, women and girls who do not have access to routine PAPs are at significant risk for developing cervical cancer. Given that the vaccine that prevents cervical cancer is recommended for girls, 9 – 12 years, parents will determine if their children get the vaccine. The purpose of this formative study was to assess maternal-child communication, assess frequency of medical screenings, identify barriers to accessing the vaccine, mother's willingness to vaccinate, and assess the role of parents and providers in cervical cancer prevention.

Eighty-five women with at least one child were recruited to complete a brief questionnaire. Twenty-five participated in focus groups where qualitative methods were used to assess reoccurring themes.

Key findings:

1) Moms' talk to their children about sex, peer pressure, and discipline,

2) They made decisions about their child's health; fathers' were less involved

3) The majority felt the government should pay for the vaccine or that it should be free,

4) Provider attitudes' influenced their health care decisions

5) Although the majority of women were not familiar with cervical cancer, HPV, or the vaccine, they were willing to vaccinate their children to keep them healthy, and

6) Moms' shared concerns about the vaccine's side effects, cost, and availability.

Women and girls need access to information about cervical cancer prevention and need affordable screening and vaccinations. South African health officials must utilize a multifaceted approach to develop and disseminate prevention messages to women and girls.