Studies have shown that Hispanic women of reproductive age display lower frequency of Pap Smear and less knowledge regarding cervical cancer than African American and White women. Some investigators have argued that these differences are due to socioeconomic status rather than ethnicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was three-fold: (1) to examine whether low-income Hispanic women were less likely to receive Pap Smear than low-income non-Hispanic women; (2) to examine ethnic differences regarding cervical cancer knowledge; and (3) to determine which demographic factors contribute to Pap Smear examination among low-income Hispanic women. Participants included 164 low-income women of reproductive age attending a WIC clinic. Approximately half of the sample was Hispanic (52.8%) and 47.2% were non-Hispanic (34.8% African Americans, 8.5% Whites, 2.4% Asians, and 1.2% Other). Hispanic women were less educated, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to be married or living with a partner than non-Hispanic women (p's<.05). All non-Hispanic women had a Pap Smear in the past as compared to 76.7% of Hispanic women (p<.0001). Hispanic women displayed significantly less knowledge regarding cervical cancer than non-Hispanic women (p's<.0001). Among Hispanic women, number of years in the United States and Memphis, age, education, and health insurance coverage were positively associated with Pap Smear examination (p's<.05). Education was the strongest variable associated with Pap Smear examination among low-income Hispanic women followed by age. Implications of these findings and current intervention efforts will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: (1) To describe the differences in cervical cancer screening between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women; (2) To identify the most important demographic factors that contribute to Pap Smear examination among Hispanic women.
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Cervical Cancer
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.