Social influences on Pap smear screening frequency

Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among Native American women is two to five times that of comparable Whites. Social and cultural differences contribute to this problem. We studied thirty age 40 and older American Indian women, half of whom had obtained at least one Pap in the past th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inAlaska medicine Vol. 42; no. 2; p. 41
Main Authors Frisch, L L, Allen, G D, Padonu, G, Dontje, K J, Burhansstipanov, L
Format Magazine Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.2000
Subjects
Adult
Age Distribution
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alaska - epidemiology
Attitude to Health
Cultural Characteristics
Female
Health Behavior - ethnology
Humans
Incidence
Indians, North American - statistics & numerical data
Mass Screening - statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Papanicolaou Test
Patient Compliance - statistics & numerical data
Population Surveillance
Sampling Studies
Socioeconomic Factors
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - ethnology
Vaginal Smears - statistics & numerical data
Alaska
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among Native American women is two to five times that of comparable Whites. Social and cultural differences contribute to this problem. We studied thirty age 40 and older American Indian women, half of whom had obtained at least one Pap in the past three years, the other half of whom had not. We asked: Do the two groups differ in their attitudes concerning Pap tests and those with whom they interact concerning Pap tests? and: Do they interact differently with different social groups concerning Pap tests? Data were obtained from chart audits and Given's Health Belief Questionnaire. The groups did not differ as to who they discussed Pap tests with or whose opinions they respected. They respected healthcare professionals most, family/friends less, and co-workers/others least. These findings suggest that the advanced practice nurse has an opportunity to improve Pap screening rates in this population.
ISSN:0002-4538