Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Malawi: An Integrative Literature Review
Year: 2025
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: In Malawi, the cervical cancer death rate is eight times that of the global rate. Cervical cancer is preventable by vaccination, screening, and early treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of cervical cancer screening and factors associated with screening uptake among women in Malawi using Whittemore and Knafl's integrative methodologic review framework. LITERATURE SEARCH: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE®, Scopus®, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL®, and Google Scholar™ databases. DATA EVALUATION: 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and quality was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool, version 2018. Themes were categorized within the situation-specific theory components. SYNTHESIS: The screening rate ranged from 1.74% to 47%. Access to healthcare services factors and individual, sociocultural, and sociodemographic factors were associated with screening uptake. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The identified gaps in cervical cancer prevention in Malawi can serve as evidence to develop nursing intervention strategies to promote screening and treatment uptake in the country.
Source: Oncology nursing forum
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4411717591