Beliefs, perceptions and health-seeking behaviours in relation to cervical cancer: a qualitative study among women in Uganda following completion of an HPV vaccination campaign

Figures & data

Appendix 2. Demographic data

Demographic characteristics
Age	5	14%
25–29	9	25%
30–34	10	27%
35–39	6	17%
40–44	6	17%
45–49
Marital status
Single	6	17%
Married	30	83%
Education level
Educated, working at professional level	5	14%
Literate	16	44%
Illiterate	15	42%
Children
0–2	15	42%
3–5 +	21	58%
Ever been screened for cervical cancer?
No	29	81%
Yes	7	19%

Appendix 3. Focus group discussion questionnaire guide

Summary guide for focus group discussion
	Questionnaires
Theme 1
1	What do people in the community say or think about cervical cancer?
Review: Reasons, myths, beliefs, attitudes to someone with the disease in the community
2	What are your own views about cervical cancer?
Review: Do you know anybody who has had cervical cancer or who suffers from cervical cancer?
3	What do you know about the test done to diagnose cervical cancer?
Theme 2
1	What do people say about health services in relation to cervical cancer?
	Review: Do women in the community go for screening?
	What about you/yourselves? Why do or did you go there? Why not?
2	What do you think facilitates the health system in relation to cervical cancer?
3	What do you think would prevent women from seeking out cervical cancer screening, in case of suspected cervical cancer?
	Review: What about yourself?
4	Do you have any personal experience to share?
Theme 3
1	What do people think about the vaccination of girls that began taking place almost 2 years ago?
	Review: Concerns about vaccinations, beliefs about vaccinations; what do you yourselves believe and think about the vaccinations?
	Thank you for your contribution; it is very important.

Appendix 4. Chart showing examples of meaning units, condensed meaning units, sub-themes, and themes from content analysis of part of the FGD data

Meaning units (MUs)	Condensed MUs	Sub-themes	Themes
Some women used to have normal periods, but after cervical cancer screening they started experiencing abnormal periods. Some got itching and other signs too. An incurable disease brought by men.	They experienced abnormal periods and acquired symptoms in relation to the screening procedure. Cervical cancer is spread by men.	Fear of contracting cervical cancer.	Feeling unprotected and unsafe.
Those who go for screening are the ones who have had abdominal pain but for me, I have not had pains, so there is no need to go for screening.	Those who have abdominal pain go for screening. There is no need for screening before.	Screening is only done after symptom debut.	Misbelief and wondering about cervical cancer.
We request that health workers be sent to the grassroots level. I am afraid to go there because screening is carried out by a male healthcare practitioner.	Send health workers to the grassroots level. Fear of male healthcare personnel.	Requests for suitable staffing at the grassroots level.	Fear of the test procedure.