BACKGROUND: @entity5 is the most common @entity5 in Botswana. Little is known about @entity1 's use of Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical smear tests. AIM: The study is to explore knowledge and beliefs of 30 @entity1 about @entity5 and Pap smear tests using the Health Belief Model. METHOD: @entity1 were recruited from all income levels using network sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for demographic data and content analysis for interview data. FINDINGS: Knowledge of @entity5 and the Pap smear test was inadequate among @entity1 with low incomes. Pap smear utilization was also limited among low-income @entity1 . Of the 18 @entity1 who had at least one Pap smear test in their lifetime, eight (44%) had opportunistic testing as a result of having gynaecological symptoms. Twelve @entity1 (40%) had never had Pap smear tests. Major barriers to Pap smear screening included inadequate knowledge about Pap smear testing, providers' negative attitudes, and limited access to doctors. CONCLUSION: The study has implications for health education and health policy and for nurses' involvement in both.

XXXX and Pap smear screening in Botswana: knowledge and perceptions.

@entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['cancer', 'cervical cancer', 'Cervical cancer'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'Women']
@entity5 :: (MESH:D009369,Disease) :: ['Cervical cancer']
