Strategic Measures to Overcome Barriers to Preventive Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Attending Tertiary Health Facilities in Northwestern Zone, Nigeria
Authors
Mahmud Zubaina Yerima1,5*, Mahammad A. Sabo2, Babani M. Iliya1, Abdullahi Adamu3, Ahmed Shuaibu Tsafi4,5
1 College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria
2 Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Environmental and Resources Management, Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Design, Usman Danfodiyo University
4 Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Nigeria
5 The Operating Room Global (TORG)
Corresponding Author: Mahmud Zubaina Yerima · [email protected]
Study Summary
Background / Objective
This study explored strategic measures for overcoming barriers to preventive cervical cancer screening among women attending tertiary health facilities in Northwestern Nigeria.
Study Design
Qualitative study.
Setting
The study was conducted across three health facilities in Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States, Nigeria.
Methods
Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide comprising demographic characteristics and six questions exploring potential strategies for overcoming barriers to cervical cancer screening. Sixty participants were interviewed, with 20 selected from each facility. Data were coded and analysed thematically.
Results
Most respondents were aged 40 years and above (42%). Participants generally did not support allowing women to self-collect samples and did not consider self-sampling an appropriate strategy for overcoming screening barriers, primarily because of concerns regarding possible sample contamination.
Conclusion / Recommendations
Most respondents did not support self-sampling for cervical cancer screening because of concerns about sample contamination. Strategies identified for addressing screening barriers included enhanced training for healthcare workers and intensified sensitisation and awareness activities within the study area.
Keywords: Strategic measures · cervical cancer prevention · cervical cancer screening · screening barriers · Nigeria
Participants & Setting at a Glance
Key Themes Identified
Self-Sampling
Respondents generally did not regard patient self-collection as an appropriate strategy, citing concerns about possible sample contamination.
Communication & Empathy
Good communication and empathetic care were identified as strategies for reducing fear and strengthening patients’ trust during screening.
Healthcare-Worker Training
Continuous training of doctors and other healthcare providers involved in screening was identified as a strategy for overcoming barriers.
Trust & Confidentiality
Honesty, confidence-building and maintaining confidentiality were identified as important for strengthening trust in screening services.
Strategies Proposed by Participants
Health Education
Regular health education in hospital clinics and wards emphasising the relevance of cervical cancer screening.
Community Awareness
Enlightenment campaigns on cervical cancer screening delivered within communities and at community gatherings.
Accessible Services
Availability of adequate cervical cancer screening services across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
Affordability
The discussion identifies reducing screening costs or making screening free as an approach reported in the literature for improving acceptability.
Study Design & Analytical Approach
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on strategies for overcoming barriers to preventive cervical cancer screening.
Population
Healthcare providers working in obstetric and gynaecological clinics.
Sampling
Multi-stage sampling involving random selection of three Northwestern states, purposive selection of tertiary hospitals, and participating health personnel.
Data Collection
A semi-structured interview guide covering demographic data and six questions on possible strategies for overcoming screening barriers.
Analysis
Data were coded and analysed thematically using a six-phase approach.
Citation Metrics
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Article Details
Original Research
Qualitative study on strategic measures to address cervical cancer screening barriers.
Editorial Timeline
Received 25 August 2026
Accepted 27 September 2026
Available Online 30 September 2026
CC BY 4.0
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
Conflict & Funding
Conflict of Interest: None.
Funding: No funding received.
Volume 2 · Issue 3
September 2026 · ISSN 3105-3262
DOI: 10.64573/torgj2608005
Three Study Facilities
Ethical approval was reported from the research ethics committees of the three participating facilities before data collection. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Northwestern Nigeria
Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina States.
Open Access
Published under the journal’s CC BY 4.0 licence.
Authors’ Contributions
Mahmud Z.Y.: Conceptualization, data collection and manuscript drafting.
Prof. Abdullahi Sabo: Supervision and critical review. Dr. Abdullahi Adamu: Study design. Ahmed Shuaibu Tsafi: Proofreading and publication support. Babani M. Iliya: Data presentation, analysis and referencing.