African Sleep Medicine | 24 June 2000
The Effectiveness of Community Health Volunteers in Cervical Cancer Screening Programmes in Northern Ghana: A Longitudinal Study
F, r, a, n, c, i, s, A, m, o, a, m, a, ,, J, a, m, e, s, D, a, f, a
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a significant health issue in Northern Ghana, where access to healthcare services can be limited due to geographical and socioeconomic factors. A longitudinal study design was employed with quantitative data collection methods including self-reported surveys, clinical examinations, and follow-up assessments over a two-year period. CHVs demonstrated an effective recall rate of 82% for cervical cancer screening appointments compared to the national average of 75%, indicating improved accessibility and patient compliance. The findings suggest that CHVs significantly enhance access to screening services, particularly in underserved rural areas of Northern Ghana. Further research should be conducted to assess the long-term impact on cervical cancer outcomes with a broader sample size. Training programmes for CHVs must also be improved to ensure consistent quality of care. Cervical Cancer Screening, Community Health Volunteers, Longitudinal Study, Rural Areas Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.