Experiences of women undergoing colposcopy in southeastern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the experiences, preferences, and needs of women undergoing colposcopy in southeastern Nigeria.

METHODS

Women undergoing colposcopy at 2 centers in southeastern Nigeria between August 1, 2009, and October 31, 2011, were interviewed using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires.

RESULTS

In total, 409 women were interviewed. The majority (60.8%) of these women were satisfied with the overall process of colposcopy. Invasion of privacy and re-assuring attitude of attending clinic personnel were reported as the most dissatisfying and most satisfying aspects of colposcopy, respectively. Privacy during the procedure and written take-home information were the most frequently reported needs. Most participants preferred a female colposcopist and the presence of their spouse during colposcopic examination.

CONCLUSION

Southeastern Nigerian women are less satisfied with the overall process of colposcopy than their counterparts from high-income settings. The majority of the women interviewed would have an improved colposcopic experience if their privacy concerns and information needs were addressed and their spouses allowed into the examination room. The findings from the present study should encourage existing and emerging colposcopy service providers in low-resource settings to improve both service delivery and their patients' overall colposcopic experience.