Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

HEALTH PROBLEM: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries. Many women not only suffer physically from the disease, but socially and economically as well. Women with cervical cancer are often stigmatized by their community and family. Currently there is little literature that measures the social and economic impact of cervical cancer of women, their children, and families. GOAL: Understand the impact of cervical cancer in Uganda on women and their families. RESEARCH PLAN: This study will recruit women diagnosed with cervical cancer from the Uganda Cancer Institute over an eight-week period. Participants will complete a written survey which will include questions on their diagnosis, treatment, dependents, and household tasks. Following the survey, participants will be interviewed about the impact of their diagnosis on their families. Survey data will be analyzed to determine the social and economic impact of a cervical cancer diagnosis. Additionally, interviews will be conducted to determine significant social themes around their cervical cancer diagnosis. IMPORTANCE: The results from this study will help identify and develop support needed for women and children affected by cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries. This information can be used to improve cervical cancer screening programs and serve as an example for investing in the mobilization of resources to support global cervical cancer screening.