Browsing by Subject "Cervical cancer screening"

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Cultural beliefs influencing cervical cancer screening behaviors among Asian Indians in the U.S.
(2020-01-31) Jillapalli, Regina; Radhakrishnan, Kavita
While Asian Indians (AIs) are among the top three fastest-growing Asian minority populations in the United States, they fall short of the Healthy People 2020 cervical cancer screening target goals, with rates averaging approximately 70% compared to 83% among non-Hispanic Whites (American Cancer Society, 2016). Also, most cervical cancers can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Therefore, purpose of the study was to explore the influence of cultural beliefs on cervical cancer screening (known colloquially as a pap smear) behaviors and HPV vaccinations among AIs. A qualitative descriptive ethnographic design was used to explore the cultural impact on cervical cancer screening behaviors among Asian Indian women (AIW). A purposive sample of 15 AIW aged 21 to 49 were interviewed. Data analysis revealed five themes that influenced cervical cancer screenings (pap smears) among these women, namely locus of control, concept of health, “no sex before marriage,” awareness, and body image. A strong internal locus of control, a sense of being healthy, awareness (i.e., knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention), and a positive body image facilitated cervical cancer screening behaviors. An external locus of control, belief that health is not a priority, “no sex before marriage,” and a low body image became barriers to cervical cancer screening behavior. Despite AIWs’ cultural beliefs, being employed, having health insurance, and receiving recommendations from their providers each had a positive influence on cervical cancer screening. Infections from the human papilloma virus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancers. Awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and recommendation from providers increased the likelihood of receiving and/or giving permission for their children, both boys and girls, to get the HPV vaccine. Lack of or limited knowledge about HPV and the concept of “no sex before marriage” were barriers to receiving and/or giving permission for their children to receive HPV vaccinations. This study’s findings revealed current issues with cancer prevention educational programs. The findings also inform future research regarding the development of culturally-sensitive educational interventions to address cervical cancer screening behaviors among AIW.
Las doñas : health literacy and cervical cancer screening among older Mexican-American women
(2012-12) Chapa-Flores, Bertha Eloisa; Acton, Gayle Jane, 1951-; Becker, Heather; Brown, Sharon; Mackert, Michael; Gill, Sara; Arevalo-Flechas, Lyda
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanics, and cervical cancer incidence is higher (64%) for Hispanics than for non-Hispanic whites. In Texas Hispanic women 50 and older are the lowest screened and present with higher incidence of invasive cervical cancer as compared to non-Hispanic white women. They are diagnosed at a peak age of 65-74, which suggests that Hispanic women need to be screened past the recommended screening age. An estimated 90 million people in the U.S. lack basic literacy skills and low literacy may contribute to low screening. Few studies have addressed the relationship between low health literacy and cervical cancer screening among older women of Mexican-American ancestry. This study sought to uncover the cervical cancer screening beliefs, practices, health literacy, knowledge, and experiences of English and/or Spanish-speaking older women of Mexican-American ancestry. Thirty women participated in focus group or individual interviews in English and/or Spanish. Women 50 years of age or older living in the community were recruited from senior centers in South Texas from a purposeful convenience sample. Data collection was conducted through audio-taped semi-structured interviews following a moderator guide developed using Zarcadoolas, Pleasant, and Greer’s (2005) health literacy model. Data were transcribed, analyzed in original language, translated for meaning, aggregated for analysis using qualitative content analysis; matrices were developed and analyzed individually, and then data were aggregated. The Newest Vital Sign, a health literacy tool, was used to partially assess fundamental literacy. Major themes elucidated were (a) Reasons “I don’t go” [fundamental literacy], (b), Prevention of cancer and “everything else” [science literacy], (c) We are different,[cultural literacy], (d) There is always “consejos” (advice, messages) [civic literacy], and media literacy, (e) Telenovelas (soap-operas) teach a lot, and (f) Learning from Internet brochures. The study supports a multidimensional model of health literacy and focus group research, accounting for the group’s cultural norms, language, and educational preferences. It adds information for nurse clinicians about providing holistic care, for nurse educators regarding communication strategies for diverse older populations, and for researchers to continue developing strategies that improve health literacy and health outcomes for minority older women.