Factors explaining men's intentions to support their partner's participation in cervical cancer screening

Background: Cervical cancer is a major global health burden, with especially high mortality in LMICs. In India, social opposition from partners and families can deter women from screening. This study examined social, cultural, and psychological factors influencing Indian men's opposition to their partners' cervical cancer screening. Methods: A survey of 500 sexually active men (April–August 2020) assessed knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and screening, attitudes, perceived structural barriers, health literacy, and screening habits. Regression analyses identified predictors of intention to support wives’ screening. Results: Most participants had very poor knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and screening, tended towards negative attitudes, and perceived several structural barriers. Attitudes towards screening and men’s routine participation in general health screening significantly predicted intention to support their wives’ screening. Education moderated the relationship between knowledge/awareness and intention. Conclusion: Given women’s reliance on spousal support for cervical screening, interventions should encourage men’s support by targeting attitudes, improving knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and screening procedures, and reducing perceived barriers.

Jyoshma Preema Dsouza, Stephan Van den Broucke, Sanjay Pattanshetty, William Dhoore