Table 2 Summary of the emerging themes and sub-themes across various categories of women interviewed

Knowledge and information about the disease and related services

Knew the disease can be prevented and treated.

Same issues as in the never screened group

Same issues as in the never screened group

Knew that early diagnosis and early treatment is important in management

Same as in the never screened group

Same as in the never screed group

All were aware of cervical screening as one of the methods of prevention but did not know how often they needed to screen

Same issues as in the never screened group

Same as in the never screened group

All lacked information on the available methods of treatment

Same as in the never screened group

Same as in the never screened group

.Risk Perception

All knew they were at high risk because of their HIV status and felt susceptible because they were sexually active

Same as in the never screened group

Same as in the never screened group

However, they did not feel they were immediately at risk because they had not experienced suspicious symptoms

However, some felt they were not at much risk as such because they had not experienced symptoms

Some screened as part of the routine tests while others felt at greater risk because they had experienced suspicious symptoms “a warning sign”

Barriers to screening

Fear of side effects

Other conditions: menstrual periods, pregnancy

No issues raised against repeat screening but some had concerns about feedback after screening and long waiting time

Poor health e.g. severe wasting and bad skin conditions which they could not expose to health workers

Forgetting due date for next screening and lack of reminders

Having more important health priorities (low prioritization of cervical screening over other services)

Not clear about schedule and reasons for repeat

Other social/family priorities; lack of time for screening Other conditions: menstrual periods, pregnancy, poor hygiene

Concerns about adequate space and privacy

Myths and misconceptions from other clients: providers remove ovaries, flesh, and uterus during the screening

Fears: invasion into one’s privacy; fear of undressing; an additional bad diagnosis on top of existing diseases

Facility issues: long waiting time, inadequate education

Motivation for screening

The only reason for screening was the generic perceived risk due to HIV status and being sexually active

Suspicious symptoms

Findings identical to those who screened once

Being HIV positive, sexually active, and at higher risk

Seek treatment/ensure protection

Maintain a good relationship with the health workers

Experiences with screening

Cited experiences shared by those that underwent screening (negative issues presented above)

The experience was satisfying, painless

The experience was satisfying, painless

Cervical cancer screening education

Health education is not informative enough and poorly structured limiting accessibility

Same as  in the never screened group

Same as in the never screened group