MIXED METHOD STUDY
This study aims to investigate the factors that influence early diagnosis and access to care in immigrant women with cervical cancer in Italy, within a framework of social justice and right to health.
This mixed-methods study will follow a two-phase design. First, immigrant women with cervical cancer will complete a questionnaire to identify barriers and facilitators to screening and access to care. Then, a smaller group will take part in individual interviews to explore these topics more deeply.
Specific objectives
- To collect quantitative data on perceived determinants of early detection of cervical cancer among immigrant women with cervical cancer.
- To collect qualitative data on the experiences of immigrant women with cervical cancer in accessing screening and care.
- To integrate and compare qualitative and quantitative data to convey a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting equal access to screening and care among immigrant women.
Methods
The study will involve 300 immigrant women with cervical cancer, recruited from 10 clinical centers across Italy.
Eligible participants will be:
- aged above 18
- diagnosed within the past 5 years with cervical cancer or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)
- born in Eastern Europe, Asia, or South-Central America, belonging to the ethnic and cultural group of that region, and currently living in Italy
During follow-up visits, participants will complete a self-report questionnaire (available in Italian or English and translated into their native languages by a cultural mediator) that covers socio-demographic and clinical data, behavioral risk factors, experiences of discrimination in healthcare, and factors influencing access to care.
From this group, 60 women will be selected for in-depth individual interviews to explore their lived experiences and challenges to the early detection of cervical cancer.