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Cervical Cancer Screening: Attitudes and Behaviors of Young Asian American Women

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Abstract

Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese American women experience high incidence rates of cervical cancer but low rates of cervical cancer screenings. This study examines the behaviors and attitudes towards screening in young Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese American women (n = 304) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Results indicated Vietnamese American (OR = 2.51) and Filipino American (OR = 2.31) women had greater odds of ever having a Pap test than Korean American women. Those older (OR = 1.55), born in the USA (OR = 2.64), and those comfortable with the test (OR = 3.41) also had greater odds of ever having a Pap test. Correct knowledge of cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus did not significantly affect the odds of having a Pap test. Interventions to increase Pap testing in these populations should focus on increasing levels of comfort and should target those younger and foreign born.

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Acknowledgments and Disclaimers

This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute Special Populations grant no. 7U01CA86322. This study also received additional support from the National Center On Minority Health And Health Disparities (Award Number P20MD000544). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center On Minority Health And Health Disparities or the National Institutes of Health. Special thanks to Y. Jason Chang, MS (Biostatistician) and Sheila Sannadan, BS (Research Assistant).

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  1. Asian American Studies Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, EP 103, San Francisco, CA, 94132-4252, USA

    Grace J. Yoo, Mai Nhung Le, Stephen Vong, Regina Lagman & Amy G. Lam

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  1. Grace J. Yoo
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  2. Mai Nhung Le
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  3. Stephen Vong
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Correspondence to Grace J. Yoo.

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Yoo, G.J., Le, M.N., Vong, S. et al. Cervical Cancer Screening: Attitudes and Behaviors of Young Asian American Women. J Canc Educ 26, 740–746 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0230-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0230-2

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