Doctor–Patient Communication as A Determinant of Women’s Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening in Ekiti State

Abstract

This study examined the role of doctor–patient communication as a determinant of women’s uptake of cervical cancer screening in Ekiti state. The study objectives were to examine the nature of doctor-patient communication regarding cervical cancer screening among women seeking healthcare services at the Ekiti State University Teaching hospital, determine the association between doctor-patient communication and the awareness, knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening. The study employed a mix method approach that comprise of descriptive survey research design and in-depth interview. Convenience sampling technique was used to select 296 women seeking reproductive healthcare services at EKSUTH Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic for survey, while purposive sampling technique was use to select three medical doctors from the same department for in-depth interviews. Data gathered from survey were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis, while the qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed doctors reported that cervical cancer screening communication is a component of every consultation, but majority of the respondents admitted it is largely limited. The study also revealed the relationship between doctor-patient communication and cervical cancer awareness was significant but weak, but there was moderate positive relationship between doctor–patient communication and women’s knowledge cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening uptake was extremely low among the respondent. Base on these findings, the study recommended that hospitals should develop and institutionalize standardized communication guidelines that require doctors to routinely discuss cervical cancer beyond brief mentions, and doctors should actively recommend screening, explain procedures clearly, and provide reassurance during consultations.