Abstract:

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern for women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where access to healthcare services is limited. Early detection through cervical cancer screening is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. While research highlights the importance of women's awareness and access to screening services, a critical gap exists in understanding the role of men in supporting their wives' health. Studies suggest a husband's support can significantly influence a woman's decision to undergo screening.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the attitudes, willingness, practices and factors associated with men’s willingness to support their wives in accessing cervical cancer screening services.

Methods: A cross-sectional and phenomenological study design approach were employed, including structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study was conducted in Mufindi District, including both urban and rural settings. Quantitative data analysis conducted using SPSS 25, with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics identifying predictors of willingness to support cervical cancer screening. Qualitative data from FGDs underwent thematic analysis to identify and interpret patterns and themes related to men's attitudes, willingness, practices and support behaviors regarding cervical cancer screening.

Results: 384 men were involved with mean age of 38.85 years (SD = 9.89), ranging from 30 to 65 years. Among the participants, 170(44.1%) demonstrated good knowledge about cervical cancer. A substantial majority, 290 (75.3%), believed that men should encourage women to get screened, and 298 (77.4%) agreed that a husband's support is crucial in this decision. Overall, 62.7% of the men had a positive attitude and strong understanding of cervical cancer's risks and 354 (91.95%) indicated they would encourage their wives to undergo screening. Quantitative findings were complemented with qualitative results which revealed the same insights. A total of 60 men participated in 8FGDs, education was identified as a key factor, with men who had a college or university education showing higher levels of support. Awareness of cervical cancer screening was another critical factor, as men who were informed about screening were more likely to offer support compared to those who were not.xv

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of enhancing educational interventions and community engagement to improve men’s support for cervical cancer screening. It is recommended that public health campaigns focus on increasing knowledge and addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers. Longitudinal studies, exploration of cultural factors, and investigation of barriers to screening are crucial for understanding and improving support dynamics. Future research should also include comparative studies and evaluations of intervention effectiveness to refine strategies for increasing male involvement in cervical cancer screening efforts.