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Article
Exploration of factors associated with perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening among Chinese American women
Journal of Public Health and Emergency
  • Wei-Chen Tung, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Minggen Lu, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Michelle Granner, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Jiani McDonough, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Susan Ervin, University of Nevada, Reno
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-9-2019
DOI
10.21037/jphe.2019.08.01
Keywords
  • Cervical cancer screening; Chinese women; culture; perceived barriers
Abstract

This study explored factors associated with perceived barriers to Pap smear testing among Chinese American women (CAW). A total of 121 CAW, ages 21–65, living in California and Nevada completed a self-report questionnaire. Data included demographics, prior screening behavior, risk factors, and perceived barriers to screening. Logistic regression models revealed that participants with less education, and who have never been screened were more likely to report (I) worry about getting a Pap smear, (II) expense of a Pap smear, and (III) not knowing where to get a Pap smear. Partner’s resistance to the women’s participation in screening was another barrier among the never screened. Uninsured women were more likely to worry about getting a Pap test and embarrassment associated with getting a Pap test. Women who had never been screened, those with lower education, and those who were uninsured reported more barriers. Attention to these common and unique barriers may help address health disparities in screening rates. These findings reinforce the importance of literacy- and culturally-appropriate educational interventions designed for improving knowledge of cervical cancer and improving screening rates.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0
Citation Information
Wei-Chen Tung, Minggen Lu, Michelle Granner, Jiani McDonough, et al.. "Exploration of factors associated with perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening among Chinese American women" Journal of Public Health and Emergency Vol. 3 Iss. 11 (2019)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/wei-chen_tung/59/