Barreras y facilitadores para el afrontamiento de las mujeres con virus del Papiloma Humano

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experiences of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) related to their health care process. Methodology: A generic qualitative study using a poststructuralist perspective of risk management was carried out in a gynecology clinic in a public hospital of the Galician Health Care System (Spain). Participants were selected through purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 21 women, aged 21 to 52 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of CIN. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed. An inductive-deductive qualitative data analysis was carried out. Results: Two themes were identified: (a) experiences of women diagnosed with CIN in relation to the health care process carried out by the health professionals of primary care and specialized care, and (b) effects of medical surveillance on the personal and social lives of women undergoing CIN follow-up and treatment. Conclusions: The information given to women diagnosed with CIN is limited, which makes it difficult for them to understand and participate in the decision making regarding the prevention and treatment of CIN. CIN medical surveillance performed by gynecologists simultaneously trivializes the changes expected of patients and underestimates the effects of medical recommendations on patients’ personal wellbeing and social relations.