Cervical cancer in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A qualitative study among men and women of cultural explanations associated with a preventable cancer

Background: Tanzania has one of the highest worldwide incidence rates of cervical cancer. Approximately 80% of women present for care with late stage disease. Yet, little is known about cultural factors that influence women's and men's attitudes about cervical cancer screening and treatment.

Methods: Tanzanian men (n=15) and women (n=15) ages 19-49 seeking care at a district health center in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania were asked to participate in face-to-face structured interviews regarding cervical cancer screening and treatment. Each interview lasted between thirty and forty-five minutes. Data analyses for this study were performed using NVivo software and hand coding.

Results: Qualitative themes elucidated fatalistic perceptions related to loss of life, fertility and role identity associated with motherhood among women, and positive perceptions of cervical cancer prevention among men. Women reported concerns about stigma and negative attitudes toward cervical cancer treatment and misconceptions about curability of disease. Women also reported that social and economic support from male partners was an important aspect of their reproductive health seeking behaviors. Men reported having positive attitudes about cervical cancer screening and had more accurate explanations about treatment. Men suggested that prevention would preserve fertility and eliminate disease. Both men and women were uncertain of risk factors for cervical cancer.

Conclusion: Perceptions of cervical cancer treatment varied between women and men. Women highly regard the influence of their male partners. Men want to support their partners to prevent cervical cancer. Interventions should engage women and encourage male partner involvement to promote screening and treatment.