"Good health for new years": development of a cervical cancer control outreach program for Vietnamese immigrants

J Cancer Educ. 2004 Winter;19(4):244-50. doi: 10.1207/s15430154jce1904_13.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer incidence rates are higher among Vietnamese American women than among any other race/ethnic group in the United States. High rates of cervical cancer are associated with low rates of Papanicolao (Pap) testing adherence.

Methods: Twenty-five qualitative interviews and 5 focus groups were conducted with Vietnamese women.

Results: Interviews and focus groups revealed unanticipated information about sociocultural influences on women's beliefs about risk factors for cervical cancer. These data were utilized to develop culturally appropriate outreach materials.

Conclusions: Engaging with the target community enabled the development of culturally appropriate materials addressing cervical cancer risk factors and encouraging Pap testing adherence.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asian*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Education
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupations
  • Program Development
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Vaginal Smears*