Challenges in delivery and performance of a cervical cancer prevention program in the Kurdistan Region of the Iraq health?system

摘要

Abstract Objective To investigate health‐system challenges responsible for the poor performance of a cervical cancer prevention program in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Method A qualitative study was conducted among a purposive sample of healthcare providers and female volunteers in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, between December 10, 2014, and July 23, 2016. Data were collected from participants using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed with an inductive content analysis approach. Results In total, 23 individuals completed the interviews. The participants included 8 (35%) female volunteers; 5 (22%) nurses; 4 (17%) managers; 3 (13%) doctors; and 3 (13%) gynecologists. The health‐system challenges were classified into three main categories: existence of an official reminder system, public information delivery programs, and infrastructures of facilities, which included three subcategories—cervical cancer screening center, material resources, and human resources. Conclusions The Kurdistan Region of Iraq health system faced several challenges in delivering a cervical cancer prevention program. These challenges must be addressed to improve the coverage of cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.