Qualitative evaluation of a codesigned faith-based intervention for Muslim women in Scotland to encourage uptake of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screening

Abstract

ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a codesigned, culturally tailored, faith-based online intervention to increase uptake of breast, colorectal and cervical screening in Scottish Muslim women. The intervention was codesigned with Scottish Muslim women (n=10) and underpinned by the reframe, reprioritise and reform model and the behaviour change wheel.SettingThe study was conducted online, using Zoom, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsParticipants (n=18) taking part in the intervention and subsequently in its evaluation, were Muslim women residing in Scotland, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling from a mosque and community organisations. Participants were aged between 25 years and 54 years and of Asian and Arab ethnicity.DesignThe study’s codesigned intervention included (1) a peer-led discussion of barriers to screening, (2) a health education session led by a healthcare provider, (3) videos of Muslim women’s experiences of cancer or screening, and (4) a religious perspective on cancer screening delivered by a female religious scholar (alimah). The intervention was delivered twice online in March 2021, followed 1 week later by two focus groups, consisting of the same participants, respectively, to discuss participants’ experiences of the intervention. Focus group transcripts were analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants accepted the content and delivery of the intervention and were positive about their experience of the intervention. Participants reported their knowledge of screening had increased and shared positive views towards cancer screening. They valued the multidimensional delivery of the intervention, appreciated the faith-based perspective, and in particular liked the personal stories and input from a healthcare provider.ConclusionParticipatory and community-centred approaches can play an important role in tackling health inequalities in cancer and its screening. Despite limitations, the intervention showed potential and was positively received by participants. Feasibility testing is needed to investigate effectiveness on a larger scale in a full trial.

A rapid review of barriers and facilitators to cancer screening uptake (breast, cervical and bowel) in underserved populations

“…Three primary studies were identified for inclusion in this rapid review. These included two published qualitative studies (Christie-de Jong et al, 2022, Keane et al, 2022) and one ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT) (Wilding, 2022).…”

“…The two published qualitative studies targeted specific underserved or deprived population groups. One study (Christie-de Jong et al, 2022), which was conducted in the UK, focused on Muslim women and participation in breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening. The second study (Keane et al, 2022), which was conducted in the Republic of Ireland, focused on Irish Traveller women and participation in breast cancer screening.…”

“…Both studies were deemed to be of high quality as they met the majority of the CASP tool criteria (see Appendix 3). However, it is worth noting the limitations of both studies including: study participants in Keane et al (2022) were working as Traveller Primary Health Care workers at time of interview, and participants in Christie-de Jong et al (2022) were self-selected, educated and English-speaking, with possibly fairly positive attitudes to screening already.…”

“…Christie-de Jong et al (2022) conducted a pilot qualitative study aimed at evaluating the acceptability of a co-designed faith-based intervention to encourage uptake of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screening in Scottish Muslim women. While participants accepted the content and delivery of the intervention, they also highlighted barriers to cancer screening including embarrassment/shyness, fear of the procedure/outcome, lack of awareness, social stigma surrounding colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers, and cultural and language barriers .…”

COVID-19 as a catalyst for reimagining cervical cancer prevention

“…Information, education and communication needs to be innovative and tailored to how different groups obtain information across various settings. Information must be understandable directly by individuals without requiring complex explanations and delivered outside of the healthcare setting through community health workers, word-of-mouth, informal peer counseling and on-line platforms ( Eala and Tantengco, 2022 ; Ciceron et al, 2022 ; De Bocanegra et al, 2022 ; Christie-de Jong et al, 2022 ). Working with traditional leaders and within established societal structures is critical to disseminating accurate information to communities and engendering trust in the screening process (recommendation 9).…”