Barriers to Pap Smear Screening Among Medical Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the Pap smear screening barriers among medical students.MethodologyThis study was a qualitative study conducted among forty-one medical students. Ten female and 31 male. Four focus group discussions were included in this study. The focus groups consisted of one female group and three male groups. The obtained data were sorted into categories based on content analysis and data were analyzed manually.ResultsA total of 41 medical students participated in this qualitative study. Most of the study participants were male and 22 years of age. All groups reported that the lack of awareness is the main barrier to Pap smear screening. The conservative culture and the traditions of the people, shame of doing a pap test despite the gender of healthcare workers, and not trusting the healthcare workers were some of the other key barriers to Pap smear screening among the groups. It was also reported that the man has the final decision as to whether his wife will get a Pap smear screening. Finally, fear of the disease and/or fear of the complications of the test were also considered barriers to Pap smear testing. All groups were willing to suggest this test to their families and friends to prevent and treat the disease as early as possible. All groups agreed that the gender of the healthcare worker matters and definitely will affect a woman's decision whether to do the Pap smear screening or not. All girls preferred to be examined by a female. All the groups mentioned that the advantage of Pap smear screening is to diagnose and treat the disease early. All groups thought that personal hygiene of the private parts is the most important prevention method for cervical cancer.ConclusionsLack of awareness is the main barrier to Pap smear screening. The gender of the healthcare worker also greatly affects women's decision to have a Pap smear test. Therefore, raising awareness about the importance of early detection of cervical cancer among the general population is urgently needed, considering the culture and the tradition of the people. Introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly recommended.