Confusion About Pap Smears: Lack of Knowledge Among High-Risk Women

Daley, Ellen M.; Perrin, Kay; Vamos, Cheryl A.; Hernandez, Natalie; Anstey, Erica Hesch; Baker, Elizabeth; Kolar, Stephanie K.; Ebbert, Judith

doi:10.1089/jwh.2012.3667

Cited by 40 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Pap test abnormality as an all-inclusive phrase for women’s health problems conflated pelvic exams, STI testing and Pap smears. Similar results have been reported by numerous studies over many years, in various populations, and without apparent improvement over time [6, 11–17]. In conducting focus groups with an earlier sample of incarcerated women, we also found that women perceived all gynecological health exams to include a Pap test and that all gynecological problems were reflected as an abnormality in this test [18].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Challenges to Pap Smear Follow-up among Women in the Criminal Justice System

et al. 2016

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Women involved in the United States criminal justice system face a variety of challenges in maintaining their health. Histories of sexual abuse, early initiation of sex, and substance abuse are reflected in more negative reproductive health outcomes, including cervical cancer, than those found among non-incarcerated women. Little is known about how to close this health gap. The present study assessed what incarcerated women perceived to be facilitators and inhibitors of obtaining recommended follow-up for abnormal Pap tests. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 44 women in an urban county jail about experiences with Pap tests and how they followed-up on abnormal results. We analyzed data using the process of thematic content analysis. Four themes were found, Pap test abnormality as an all-inclusive phrase for women’s health problems, unstable lives, the structural challenges of money, and competing demands. Women with criminal justice histories have numerous and complex challenges in following-up abnormal Pap test results, as well as other health problems. Understanding the context around the follow-up for abnormal Pap tests in this population may increase providers’ ability to help women effectively obtain cancer prevention care that can be life-saving, as well as to more effectively provide care for other health problems.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Challenges to Pap Smear Follow-up among Women in the Criminal Justice System

et al. 2016

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“…Unfortunately, as illustrated in this study, a dearth of knowledge and awareness is still common among women [20,21]. Thus, future research should incorporate health literacy as a critical component in cervical cancer prevention programming efforts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Thus, future research should incorporate health literacy as a critical component in cervical cancer prevention programming efforts. Health literacy efforts could greatly assist in increasing knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention modalities; understanding how and when screening should be obtained; evaluating personal health history and other risk factors; and, communicating decision-making processes and related feelings with healthcare providers, families and friends [20]. As stated by the SCT, a person and their corresponding health behaviors are greatly influenced by their physical and social environments [15,16].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, Behavioral, and Sociocultural Factors Related to Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Inner-City Women in Panama

et al. 2015

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Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in developing countries regardless of biomedical advances in prevention modalities. Specifically, Panama experiences one of the highest rates of cervical cancer worldwide. The objective of this study was to explore knowledge, behavioral, and sociocultural factors related to cervical cancer prevention among Panamanian women. A theory-guided, population-based quantitative survey following participatory processes was administered to a randomized sample of females (18-44 years) residing in a high-risk Panamanian community. Participants (n = 324) reported low knowledge regarding HPV, cervical cancer, and the purpose of the Pap test. Furthermore, low perceived susceptibility, high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., low contraception and condom use) and adverse attitudes toward the Pap test (e.g., shame, fear) were identified. Television, newspapers/magazines, and relatives/friends/neighbors were common sources to receive health information. Significant gaps in knowledge and behavioral factors were identified, which may interfere with cervical cancer prevention efforts. Future strategies should reflect the sociocultural context, such as interpersonal relations, when developing and implementing cervical cancer programs, with the ultimate goal of decreasing the persistent burden among Latin American women.

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“…These findings are consistent with recent research revealing wide spread confusion about cervical cancer risk and Pap tests among a population of high risk women. 42 Such findings suggest that HIV care providers may not be effectively communicating cervical cancer prevention and early detection messages to their clients as all participants had a regular source for health care, and most reported being adherent to their medical appointments. What is not known from these findings is whether the health care clinics where the women received care have specific protocols that address cervical cancer risk among HIV-infected women and their needs for information and education.…”

Section: (Age 48 No Pap Test)mentioning

confidence: 98%

Structural and Sociocultural Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among HIV-Infected African American Women in Alabama

Williams

Moneyham

Kempf

et al. 2015

AIDS Patient Care and STDs

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African American women have disproportionately high prevalence rates of HIV and cervical cancer. HIVinfected women are significantly less likely to obtain recommended cervical cancer screenings than HIVuninfected women. The purpose of this study was to examine sociocultural and structural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected African American in Alabama. The PEN-3 Model and the Health Belief Model were used as theoretical frameworks. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty HIV-infected African American women to identify perceptions, enablers, and nurturers, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived benefits related to cervical cancer and screening. The most common positive perceptions, enablers, and nurturers that contributed to cervical cancer screening included internal motivation and awareness of the importance of HIV-infected women getting Pap tests due to their weakened immune system. Negative perceptions, enablers, and nurturers included lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, and lack of perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. The results of this study can be used to guide the development of culturally relevant cervical cancer and screening education interventions aimed at increasing cervical cancer screening adherence among HIV-infected African American women.

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Confusion About Pap Smears: Lack of Knowledge Among High-Risk Women

Abstract: Knowledge about the purpose of the Pap smear remains low. Findings underscore the significant need for clear and consistent messages among high-risk women regarding the prevention of cervical cancer and other reproductive health conditions.

Cited by 40 publications

References 16 publications

Challenges to Pap Smear Follow-up among Women in the Criminal Justice System

Challenges to Pap Smear Follow-up among Women in the Criminal Justice System

Knowledge, Behavioral, and Sociocultural Factors Related to Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Inner-City Women in Panama

Structural and Sociocultural Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among HIV-Infected African American Women in Alabama

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