Authors : Pauline Picho Keronyai; DR. MATOVU JOSEPH

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/256a6462

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yc297n5w

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10275646

Abstract : Introduction: Cervical cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths in the whole world. Yet readily preventable. Women living with HIV are at increased risk of invasive cervical cancer, highlighting the need for access to screening and treatment for this population. Integration of cervical cancer related services has been proposed as an effective way of improving access to cervical cancer screening especially in areas of high HIV prevalence which are most times areas of low resource settings. Study Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess factors associated with integrating cervical cancer screening services into existing HIV care programs in private and public health facilities in order to improve delivery of integrated HIV/ cervical cancer screening services in Kampala District, Uganda. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study with qualitative ethnographic approach. It explored perception of health workers in relation to delivering services within an integrated work environment. The study was conducted in the five divisions of Kampala district focusing on health center IVs, IIIs and hospitals both private and government facilities were chosen. The study population was purposively selected and included facility in charges, HIV clinic managers, maternal and child health clinic in charges, clinicians, nurses, midwives, HIV positive clients receiving HIV care from identified health facilities regardless of cancer status.Results A total of 63 individuals participated in the study this included service providers and clients attending HIV care clinics. Responses from the participants were in agreement with integrating cervical cancer into HIV care programs, because it provided access to cervical cancer screening services and other reproductive health services within the same environment and at one stop. These make the services feasible and accessible to all women.Conclusion. In conclusion for integration to be successful, several approaches like training of existing staff in providing cervical cancer screening and treatment services was highly emphasized by both staff and client respondents. Availability of treatment services and follow-up of patients is also Required to ensure continuum of care. Also, the most appreciated model of integration was the in clinic using existing staff because it maintained privacy and confidentiality of client information. Otherwise, integration was highly recommended to promote uptake of cervical cancer services among HIV positive women.