Chinwendu Courage Ngozi
Teesside University, UKPresentation Title:
Barriers to cervical screening attendance among African Christian women in the Northeast of England: A qualitative Study
Abstract
Objectives: This study explores the lived
experiences of African Christian women in the Northeast of England, focusing on
their reasons for declining cervical screening.
Methods: A qualitative approach was employed
using semi-structured interviews with sixteen African Christian women aged
25-64. Data were drawn from a larger study, but only responses from those who
never attended screening were analysed. Participants were recruited through
religious organisations with the help of gatekeepers, and thematic analysis was
conducted using NVivo 12 software.
Results: Findings reveal that academic
pressure and misconceptions about sexual inactivity were key reasons for
non-attendance. All three participants who declined screening were single,
suggesting a perceived lack of necessity. Academic commitments overshadowed
preventive health behaviours, particularly among female international students
facing financial constraints and difficulties navigating the UK healthcare
system. Additionally, misconceptions about cervical cancer risk contributed to
avoidance, with one participant’s clinical experience reinforcing fears about
screening-related pain. Although religious beliefs were not explicitly cited as
a barrier, cultural and faith-based influences may have shaped health perceptions.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for
culturally tailored interventions, including university-led health campaigns,
improved access to screening services near academic institutions, and
collaboration with faith-based organisations to address misconceptions. While
the qualitative design limits generalisability, the findings offer valuable
insights into cervical screening barriers among African Christian women and
provide recommendations for improving screening uptake in ethnic minority
communities.
Biography
Chinwendu Courage Ngozi is a dedicated Doctor of Public Health with expertise in institutional and policy influences on health-seeking behaviours among ethnic minority and underserved communities. Her doctoral research at Teesside University explored cervical cancer screening perspectives among first-generation Christian immigrant women from sub-Saharan Africa living in Northeast England, contributing valuable culturally tailored insights to public health practice and policy. Courage has extensive experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data analysis using NVIVO, MAXQDA, and SPSS, as well as survey design and policy analysis. She has demonstrated strong leadership in managing multicultural research teams and delivering impactful presentations to academic and non-academic audiences. Currently, she is involved in mental health policy analysis and collaborative cross-institutional research focused on reducing degree awarding gaps. Her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement is reflected in her contributions to health communication strategies, mental health capacity development, and research mentorship. Courage has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and holds professional affiliations including Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She continues to advance public health knowledge with a focus on equity, inclusion, and culturally sensitive interventions
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