Journal article
A Qualitative Study to Understand Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention among African Immigrant Women (AIW) in Iowa City, Iowa
International Journal of Women's Health and Wellness, Vol.7(1), 117
01/30/2021
DOI: 10.23937/2474-1353/1510117
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed at assessing cervical cancer awareness and prevention among 21-65 year-old African immigrant women (AIW) in Iowa City, Iowa. Specifically, we queried about barriers and facilitators to the uptake of Papanicolaou screening, women's knowledge of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their children.
Study design
This was a qualitative study that included a total of 39 AIW. Twelve women were interviewed and 27 women participated in two FGDs. The FGDs included Sudanese women, and were conducted in Arabic. The interviews included women from Togo, Nigeria, Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana, and Kenya and were all conducted in English. Interviews and FGDs were recorded and transcribed/translated. We used thematic analysis - and the Socio-ecological Model as a framework - to highlight main themes.
Results
Low levels of knowledge on cervical cancer, pap smears, HPV, and HPV vaccination were found among study participants. Women described many barriers to the uptake of pap smear tests at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and community levels of the socio-ecologic model including: Language, lack of time, hardship in navigating the US health care system, cost of screening, fear of results, and lack of education regarding cervical cancer. Women were more inclined to accept the HPV vaccine for their children only after further explanation from the study facilitators.
Conclusions
Findings from this study indicate the need to increase knowledge of AIW on cervical cancer, Pap tests, HPV, and HPV vaccination; and to implement interventions to remove social and structural barriers to obtaining pap tests.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A Qualitative Study to Understand Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention among African Immigrant Women (AIW) in Iowa City, Iowa
- Creators
- Toluwani Elizabeth AdekunleMaysa AhmedRima Afifi
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International Journal of Women's Health and Wellness, Vol.7(1), 117
- DOI
- 10.23937/2474-1353/1510117
- ISSN
- 2474-1353
- eISSN
- 2474-1353
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/30/2021
- Academic Unit
- Injury Prevention Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984215112402771
Metrics
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