Problem Health communication campaigns to increase use of Pap tests have had limited success, since particular subgroups of the population continue to be among the groups with either the highest incidence of or the highest mortality for cervical cancer.
Background The strongest predictor for using the health care system is health insurance. In 1996, Hispanics had the largest uninsured rates in the US. Mexicans living in the US are least likely to use health care system.
Purpose This exploratory study was to systematically identify general rules and roles of the Mexican health care system to determine how it might influence health care seeking behaviors of Mexicans here in the United States.
Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was developed using a prescribed framework to uncover the system's underlying philosophy of health and health care, and the functional and legal structure of the health care system. Using a modified grounded theory approach, conclusions are drawn from interviews conducted in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.
Results1. A prevention orientation is lacking in much of the rural Mexican population. 2. Health care really means illness care. 3. Health care is a right of every Mexican citizen protected by the government.
Discussion Message designers may want to 1) learn more about the cultural context of health and health care for the group to whom the message is intended, 2) assess the experiences of the group with the Mexican health care system, and 3) identify when the group uses the formal health care system and why.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize factors that may shape health care seeking behaviors of Mexicans lining in the US. 2. Identify ways to use these factors to design health messages that may be effective in increasing cervical cancer screening
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Culture
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.