Vietnamese American women’s beliefs and perceptions on cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, and cancer prevention vaccines: A community-based participatory study

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains commonly diagnosed in Vietnamese American women. Despite efforts to increase cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese American women, participation rates are persistently lower than the national goal. The objective of this study is to explore beliefs of Vietnamese American women about cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, and cancer prevention vaccines. A qualitative descriptive investigation captured group perceptions about meaning and beliefs of cervical cancer, screening, and cancer prevention vaccines, and participants' stories using a community-based participatory research approach.Forty Vietnamese American women were recruited from the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area into four focus groups. Using a process of directed content analysis, focus group transcripts were coded for themes. We found that cervical cancer continues to be a difficult topic to discuss, and Vietnamese American women may not bring the topic up themselves to their health care providers. Some women experienced intense emotions of fear or shame of having their cervix examined. Women delayed seeking cervical cancer screening and needed to have early warning signs, which guided them as to when to seek health care. Women focused on cleanliness through vaginal and/or perineal washing as primary prevention for cervical cancer. There were limited awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention vaccines, specifically the human papillomavirus. Some women relied heavily on their informal social networks of family, friends, or community for health knowledge.Fear and misunderstanding dominated the beliefs of Vietnamese American women about cervical cancer screening and prevention. These findings underscored the importance of having culturally-specific findings, which will inform a multicomponent intervention to promote cervical cancer screening and cancer prevention vaccine uptake within this population.

Interactive CO-learning for Research Engagement and Education (I-COREE) Curriculum to Build Capacity Between Community Partners and Academic Researchers

“…Partners can keep this in mind in the introduction of new topics including difficult terminology and concepts (e.g., what is a Smart Home and its features and functions) during the review of the study protocol via simulated co-learning activities (i.e., role playing) regarding study procedures that contains those terms and concepts. The I-COREE Curriculum Module II focuses on the Team Approach to Translation and Multi-Cultural and Multi-Lingual Expertise (Cook, Schmitter-Edgecombe, & Dawadi, 2015; Fritz et al, 2016; Israel et al, 2012; Nguyen-Truong, Nguyen et al, 2017; Nguyen-Truong, Pedhiwala et al, 2017; Nursing Council of New Zealand, 2011). Achievement of meaningful cross-cultural translation and interpretation of terms and concepts including language that does not exist in the targeted Asian languages using a team approach is essential for rigor so that misunderstandings and miscommunication does not occur.…”

“…Layering health-assistive technology features and functions add complexity to cross-cultural translation and interpretation in respective languages and building a sense of connectedness through shared experiences promote de-isolation. The I-COREE Curriculum Module III underscores the Empowered Asian Immigrant Minority Voice Through a Participatory Approach to Data Collection and Analysis , Scientific Group Level Assessment Method , and Shared Decision-Making (Lincoln & Guba, 1985; Nguyen-Truong, Nguyen et al, 2017; Rae & Green, 2016; Vaughn & Lohmueller, 2014). Envisioning what it might be like to engage older Asian immigrants as study participants through use of mock scenarios (i.e., step-by-step data collection and analysis procedures) regarding participation in group discussion and analysis of their own perceptions with the group facilitator in real time encourages anticipation of challenges and discussion on how to promote study participants’ empowerment in using their voice.…”

U.S. Vietnamese parents’ HPV vaccine decision-making for their adolescents: an exploration of practice-, provider-, and patient-level influences

“…HPV vaccination is a safe and effective method to prevent HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer. To date, limited research has focused on HPV vaccination among U.S. Vietnamese (Duong & Hopfer, 2020 ; Gor et al, 2011 ; Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ; Yi et al, 2013a , 2013b ). Findings indicate that U.S. Vietnamese generally have low awareness or knowledge of the vaccine and low HPV vaccine uptake (Duong & Hopfer, 2020 ; Gor et al, 2011 ; Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ; Yi et al, 2013a , 2013b ).…”

“…To date, limited research has focused on HPV vaccination among U.S. Vietnamese (Duong & Hopfer, 2020 ; Gor et al, 2011 ; Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ; Yi et al, 2013a , 2013b ). Findings indicate that U.S. Vietnamese generally have low awareness or knowledge of the vaccine and low HPV vaccine uptake (Duong & Hopfer, 2020 ; Gor et al, 2011 ; Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ; Yi et al, 2013a , 2013b ). For example, among 113 Vietnamese women in Houston-based survey, only 14% reported vaccine initiation ( Yi et al, 2013a ).…”

“…For example, among 113 Vietnamese women in Houston-based survey, only 14% reported vaccine initiation ( Yi et al, 2013a ). Factors related to HPV vaccine intention or uptake among U.S. Vietnamese included English proficiency ( Yi et al, 2013a ), HPV vaccine knowledge ( Yi et al, 2013a ), vaccine recommendation from healthcare providers (Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Yi et al, 2013b ), influences from family members (Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ), and school-based education (Hopfer et al, 2017 ; Nguyen-Truong et al, 2017 ).…”