Low-Cost Interventions to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening: An Integrative Review

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Cervical cancer (CC) is a major public health problem in low-and middle -income countries. Although screening can reduce CC incidence, screening programs are difficult to implement in resource-limited countries, making innovative interventions necessary. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed (R), MEDLINE (R), CINAHL (R), LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for studies published within the past five years that explored interventions to improve CC screening. DATA EVALUATION: Of the 486 articles identified, 35 were included in the review. The evidence was summarized, analyzed, and organized by theme. SYNTHESIS: Several low-cost interventions improved aspects of CC screening, most of which were associated with a significant increase in adherence and uptake. Other interventions led to better baseline knowledge and involvement among patients and healthcare providers and a higher proportion of patients receiving treatment. Screening programs can use single or multiple approaches and match them to the local conditions and available resources. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By understanding the various interventions that can mitigate CC incidence, healthcare providers can select the best approach to reach women eligible for CC screening.