Cervical cancer according to the beliefs of the women of Jinotega, Estelí and Chinandega, Nicaragua.

Abstract

The objective this research is explore popular beliefs about cervical cancer in rural women from three Departments of Nicaragua. A phenomenological approach was made, with a sample based on theory. Fifteen women from the peri-urban and rural areas of Jinotega, Chinandega and Estelí were interviewed. The instrument for collecting the information was a semi-structured in-depth interview with open questions. In addition, ten active community health leaders were interviewed to inquire about the research topic. Main results: the causes of cervical cáncer mentioned were: the lack of personal hygiene, some foods, the fertility control, vaginal infections, promiscuity, multiparity. Religion was considered a protection from the disease and in other cases as a barrier to seeking medical attention. The pap smear is not exclusively linked to the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Receiving the diagnosis is believed to be synonymous with death. In the same way, treatment is considered  inaccessible and painful. Beliefs can be determinant in the search for early detection and timely treatment of cervical cancer; therefore, it is significant to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for the prevention of the disease adapted to rural populations taking considering all the influential sociocultural factors.