Factors Affecting the Accessbility of Cervical Cancer Screening Services Among Women With Physical and Sensory Disabilities in Lusaka District

Cervical cancer is one of the major health challenges amongst women in Zambia. While cervical
cancer screening has been available in Zambia since 2006 with a relatively wide coverage in Lusaka
District, it remains questionable whether women with disabilities have access to these cervical cancer
screening services. The aim of this study was to determine factors which influence the accessibility of
cervical cancer screening services among women with physical and sensory disabilities.
Using a qualitative case study, data was collected through in-depth interviews and key informant
interviews from 12 women with disabilities and 6 representatives from health centres and disability
organisations respectively in Lusaka District. The data was collected focussed on factors which affect
accessibility of cervical cancer screening services amongst women with physical and sensory
disabilities. Supplementary document study and field observations were done. Data was analysed
using Nvivo 10.0 Windows Evaluation Version to conduct thematic content analysis of key themes
and sub-themes of service accessibility of cervical cancer screening.
Results showed that cervical cancer screening services were not easily accessible for women with
disabilities, with the type and severity of disability being major catalysts. Several factors were found
to influence accessibility of cervical cancer screening services; among them were previous negative
medical experiences, limited knowledge, communication challenges, social support, inadequate
income, distance to nearest screening centre, inappropriate transport, little implementation of
legislature and failure to incorporate women with disabilities into existing health policies.
Efforts should be directed at improving service delivery of cervical cancer screening by integrating
women with disabilities in health promotion activities. There is need to devise strategic ways in which
existing legislature can be efficiently enforced so as to compel health facilities to be more accessible
to women with disabilities. It is important that future health policy planning should consider the
interests of vulnerable populations such as women with disabilities.