Knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and psychosocial barriers to screening among Mexican women

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate: Mexican women's knowledge about cervical cancer prevention; psychosocial barriers to screening; and the relation of both to cervical cancer screening behavior. Three hundred and eighty-four rural and urban women who had achieved a basic or higher educational level were surveyed. Almost 80% of the women had a Pap test but rural women were less likely to have done so. Although most women had received their most recent Pap within the last three years, only 29% had had their first Pap in accordance with the official Mexican norm. Participants showed inadequate knowledge about the risk factors for cervical cancer, especially women with only a basic educational level, irrespective of residence in an urban or rural area. Factors associated with non-screening were poor knowledge about Pap testing and about the risk factors for cervical cancer, as well as the following barriers: believing that Pap testing is too embarrassing; believing that men do not want them to have a Pap test; and believing that the test is painful. In light of these socio-cultural influences, our findings could be helpful in designing effective programs to increase Pap screening.

Cervical cancer screening programs and guidelines in low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…A national cervical cancer screening program, part of the Official Mexican Standard, Norma Oficial Mexicana, began in 1974 and was relaunched between 1994 and 1998 [21]. The program recommends that screening begins aged 25 years or following the initiation of sexual activity; cervical smear tests are offered free of charge at public health institutions [22]. The guidelines indicate that women who experience two consecutive annual negative test results should decrease the frequency of screening to every 3 years [21,22].…”

“…The program recommends that screening begins aged 25 years or following the initiation of sexual activity; cervical smear tests are offered free of charge at public health institutions [22]. The guidelines indicate that women who experience two consecutive annual negative test results should decrease the frequency of screening to every 3 years [21,22]. In 1964, annual cytology screening was introduced in the former Soviet Union as part of routine cervical cancer screening; in 1976, the Ministry of Health established centralized cytology laboratories in all regions and republics of the former Soviet Union [23].…”

“…Education level can also vary with geographic location. In a study conducted in the Mexican state of Veracruz [22], participants were grouped based on education level and location (rural vs urban); urban‐ and rural‐dwelling women with basic education were significantly less likely to have knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening and risk factors [22].…”

“…Cultural views on health and cancer can act as barriers to cervical screening [18,22,32–34]. A study conducted in the Washington, DC, area measured the views of Chinese‐American women on health and cancer using quantitative scales [35].…”

Cultural Beliefs and Understandings of Cervical Cancer Among Mexican Immigrant Women in Southeast Georgia

“…These beliefs have been associated with religious notions of shame or guilt around sexual matters which might result in negative health consequences [32]. Moreover, several studies have found that the Pap test is embarrassing for Mexican women [20, 33, 34]. The causes related to sexual behaviors were ranked as more severe in the results, signifying that these behavioral risk factors are stigmatized in this population.…”