Identifying and Examining Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior among Arab American Women Público
Nuhaily, Sumayah (2016)
Published
Abstract
The primary objective of this research was to assess cultural, religious, and psychosocial factors related to perceptions of cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, and human papillomavirus among Arab American women. We hoped to identify specific beliefs and processes that may inhibit or encourage Arab American women from obtaining regular cervical cancer screening, including interpersonal relationships, cultural influences, knowledge of and firsthand and secondhand experience with Pap screening, and overall perceptions of Pap screening. This was accomplished by conducting in-depth interviews with a sample of 16 Arab American women living in urban San Diego, California. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using constructs from Social Ecological Model as well as salient themes that were found in transcripts. The majority of participants demonstrated limited knowledge of Pap testing, screening guidelines, and routine gynecological care recommendations. Some participants cited other women's negative experience as a reason for choosing not to obtain a Pap test. Immediate family members, specifically mothers and sisters, were viewed as important facilitators in obtaining a Pap test. Participants generally reported a lack of trust in healthcare providers' ability to provide culturally appropriate and high-quality healthcare. In conclusion, interpersonal factors appear to be important in the context of cervical cancer screening for Arab American women. Further research is needed to investigate cervical cancer screening attitudes and behaviors within this population.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
Public Health Significance 1
Cervical Cancer Screening 1
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 4
Cultural and Religious Perceptions of Illness in Arab Communities
4
Culturally-Ingrained Views on Female Modesty in Arab Communities
4
Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in Arab American Women 6
Cervical Cancer Screening Beliefs and Attitudes in Arab Women
7
METHODOLOGY 8
Participants 8
Research Design and Methods 8
RESULTS 13
Participant Demographics 13
Self-Report Survey Responses 14
In-Depth Interview Results 14
DISCUSSION 21
Public Health Implications 22
Strengths and Limitations 23
Future Directions and Conclusions 24
TABLES 26
Table 1. Participant Demographics 26
Table 2. Participants who Mentioned Barriers, Facilitators and
Cultural Influences with Regard to Cervical Cancer Screening
27
Table 3. Participants' Experiences with and Perceptions of Pap
Screening 28
Table 4. Knowledge of Pap Test, Screening Guidelines and
Gynecological Care Needs 29
APPENDICES 30
Appendix 1. Recruitment Flyer 30
Appendix 2. Consent Form 31
Appendix 3. Interview Guide 37
Appendix 4. Demographics and Self-Report Survey 41
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 44
REFERENCES 45
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Identifying and Examining Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior among Arab American Women () | 2018-08-28 13:51:41 -0400 |
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