Journal of immigrant health
Volume 5, Issue 3, 2003, Pages 119-128

An examination of sociocultural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among low-income Latina immigrants of reproductive age. (Article)

Scarinci I.C.* , Beech B.M. , Kovach K.W. , Bailey T.L.
  • a Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham, 35294-4410, United States
  • b Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham, 35294-4410, United States
  • c Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham, 35294-4410, United States
  • d Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham, 35294-4410, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to examine whether low-income Latina immigrants were less likely to receive a Pap smear than low-income non-Latinas; 2) to examine ethnic differences regarding cervical cancer knowledge; and 3) to examine the sociocultural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among low-income Latina immigrants. Participants included 225 low-income women of reproductive age attending a WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic (50% Latina immigrants and 50% non-Latinas). Latina immigrants were less educated, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to be married or living with a partner than non-Latinas (ps<0.05). All non-Latinas had a Pap smear in the past compared to 81.3% of Latina immigrants (p<0.001). Latina immigrants displayed significantly less knowledge regarding cervical cancer than non-Latinas (ps<0.01). Latina immigrants tended to display culturally based knowledge and beliefs regarding cervical cancer and screening that may influence getting a Pap smear.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Vaginal Smears mass screening psychological aspect poverty human Tennessee ethnology Hispanic Americans United States Humans Hispanic Adolescent health services research female questionnaire Article Questionnaires adult migration Uterine Cervical Neoplasms Utilization Review patient attitude uterine cervix tumor Emigration and Immigration Patient Acceptance of Health Care social class vagina smear
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0142244340&doi=10.1023%2fA%3a1023939801991&partnerID=40&md5=d866293ed6af92b52b89d8b29f0a02bf
DOI: 10.1023/A:1023939801991
ISSN: 10964045
Cited by: 68
Original Language: English