Cervical Cancer Screening Experiences Among Chinese American Immigrant Women in the United States

Abstract

Women's health care providers should be aware of and give consideration to cultural differences through the provision of more educational information and comfort to Chinese immigrant women who seek cervical cancer screening. Ultimately, the development of culturally appropriate and affordable cancer prevention programs with effective strategies is important to ease Chinese American women's senses of vulnerability.

The role of knowledge, risk perceptions and cues to action among Iranian women concerning cervical cancer and screening: A qualitative exploration

“…Secondly, our results revealed that many women held inaccurate risk perceptions concerning CC. The women in our sample overestimated the role of heredity; similar to ndings in other studies in Iran (27,36) and other countries (53)(54)(55), which is challenging, since the role of genetic causes of CC is still not clear (56), The vast majority of women reported low perceived risk and susceptibility regarding CC, ndings also reported in other studies (33,34,37,53). We found that women regarded themselves at risk concerning STIs; however, they had poor understanding of the purpose of CCS.…”

“…In concurrence with other studies, our respondents considered CCS as an intervention for STI management (27,(57)(58)(59). A misconception was found concerning the role of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent STIs (HPV infection speci cally) and cervical cancer, and similar ndings have been reported by other studies (33,53). However, the absence of STI symptoms did not make women feel a need to go for screening.…”

“…Thirdly, with regard to cues to action, our respondents disliked discussing and thinking about cervical cancer and their existing symptoms, due to local beliefs about the consequences of such thinking and discussions, a nding reported in other studies (24,27,53,60). Consequently, receiving a cue to act as a result of discussions with others is rare in Iran.…”

Low level of awareness among Iranian women concerning cervical cancer and screening: the role of knowledge, risk perceptions and cues to action

“…Secondly, our results revealed that many women held inaccurate risk perceptions concerning CC. The women in our sample overestimated the role of heredity; similar to findings in other studies in Iran (27,36) and other countries (52)(53)(54), which is challenging, since the role of genetic causes of CC is still not clear (55), The vast majority of women reported low perceived risk and susceptibility regarding CC, findings also reported in other studies (33,34,37,52). We found that women regarded themselves at risk concerning STIs; however, they had poor understanding of the purpose of CCS.…”

“…Our results also showed that women's knowledge about timing and regulations for CC testing was inaccurate and implicit, and mainly reflected their experiences rather than accurate knowledge. Lack of knowledge and unconfident answers by women regarding timing, frequency and procedures was also reported in other studies (33,52). However, women had detailed, accurate and practical knowledge about terms and conditions for attending CC tests which was not previously explored in other studies.…”