U.S. Navy Womens Experience with Cervical Cancer Screening and Follow-up Care
Abstract
Purpose: Cross-sectional exploration of active duty U.S. Navy womens experience with abnormal CCS and navigation of colposcopic follow-up care at a military healthcare facility. Design: Potential participants were women requiring colposcopic follow-up for abnormal cervical cancer screening. Exclusion criteria included a positive pregnancy test or anticipated change of duty station/deployment within three months. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews, demographic forms, and retrospective mapping were completed. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional exploratory study utilized two narrative analysis models: Labovs sociolinguistic and Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis. Demographic and medical record data were collected for descriptive data. Sample: The research data consisted of 26 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in a large, northeastern, military treatment facility after the patient had received recommended colposcopic follow-up care. Analysis: Interviews and field notes were coded and analyzed systematically using inductive techniques, assisted by qualitative software. Demographic data and medical record review (retrospective mapping) were entered into SPSS for statistical analysis. Findings: Abnormal CCS notification process varied widely between ship and shore-based Navy women. Five interconnected themes were identified that represented distinct phases of womens abnormal CCS and colposcopic experience, which provided insight on challenges and experiences military women encounter in the healthcare system: Its like a bomb, I didnt understand, Freaked, Its kind of like this back and forth, and It really opened my eyes. Women described fear, anxiety, and concern following notification of their abnormal CCS results. A number of women turned to the Internet, family, friends, co-workers, and other healthcare providers for support and to better understand findings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1013145
Entities
People
- Lisa A Braun
Organizations
- Yale University