Barriers to cervical cancer screening: A qualitative study among Somali women in Oslo Norway

Background: Research findings suggest that immigrant women are less likely to participate in cervical cancer screening.Increased understanding of the barriers confronted and possibilities for facilitating screening participation is needed.Methods: Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among 57 Somali women in Oslo to explore experiences with and perceptions of cervical cancer screening.Results: The study revealed a lack of familiarity with cervical cancer and perceived irrelevance of screening, emotional barriers such as fear and embarrassment, practical challenges related to childcare, and language, cultural and religious concerns related to modesty and sexuality, and mistrust.Participant suggestions for reducing these barriers and facilitating screening participation included awareness creation, translated materials, and female practitioners.Conclusion: Accounting for these barriers, implementing these recommendations, and better attuning the screening program to the present-day multicultural population of Norway can potentially increase participation in cervical cancer screening among Somali and potentially other immigrant women.