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US Navy Women's Experience of an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening
Author(s) -
Braun Lisa A.,
Kennedy Holly Powell,
Sadler Lois S.,
Dixon Jane,
Womack Julie,
Wilson Candy
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/jmwh.12378
Subject(s) - navy , health care , cervical cancer , thematic analysis , narrative , medicine , nursing , psychology , qualitative research , cancer , political science , sociology , social science , linguistics , philosophy , law
Recent policy revisions allow greater inclusion of military women in operational and/or deployable positions (ie, shipboard, overseas, and war zone duty assignments), but these positions can create unique health care challenges. Military members are often transient due to deployments and change of duty stations, impacting timely follow‐up care for treatable health conditions. There has been minimal research on challenges or strategies in preventive health screening and follow‐up for US military women. Methods The purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe US Navy women's experiences with abnormal cervical cancer screenings requiring colposcopic follow‐up care. Ship‐ and shored‐based women receiving care at a military colposcopy clinic completed interviews about their experience. Two forms of narrative analysis, Labov's sociolinguistic structural analysis and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, were employed to gain a more robust understanding of the women's experiences. Results The sample was comprised of 26 women (16 ship‐based, 10 shore‐based). Five themes were identified: 1) It's like this bombshell (initial abnormal results notification); 2) I didn't understand (self‐discovery process); 3) Freaked (emotional toll); 4) It's kind of like this back and forth (scheduling and navigating care); and 5) It really opened my eyes (lessons learned). Discussion The women's stories highlighted some issues unique to military health care, such as operational demands and follow‐up care; other issues are likely common for most women learning about an abnormal cervical cancer screening result. Areas important for practice and future research include improving notification practices, providing information, understanding women's fear, and continuity of care. Research exploring educational initiatives and self‐management practices are critical within military populations.