Factors Related To Improving the Quality of Cervical Cancer Screening for Women Living with HIV in La Romana, Dominican Republic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, especially among women living with HIV (WLH). This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening from the perspective of healthcare providers and WLH at Clínica de Familia La Romana, a large primary care clinic that specializes in HIV in the Dominican Republic. Ten providers and 25 WLH participated in interviews, which were analyzed in Dedoose using inductive analysis guided by the Framework for Improving the Quality of Cancer Care. Three themes emerged: (1) continuity across stages of cancer care; (2) multilevel factors influencing clinical encounters and follow-up; and (3) organizational strategies to improve screening quality. Our findings explored needs for (1) treatment cascades that streamline sampling and results, (2) increased patient education efforts, and (3) improved linkage to treatment services.