Objective: At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify attitudes that may present barriers to follow-up of abnormal Pap smears among Latinas as well as attitudes that may be used to overcome these barriers. Methods: A bilingual survey was developed regarding attitudes about cervical cancer, prevention, and follow-up for abnormal Pap smears. Latinas (n=376) and non-Latino White women (n=66) were interviewed at a University affiliated community clinic. Analysis included the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Latinas were more likely to report that they were not familiar with follow-up procedures for abnormal Pap smears (83.3% vs. 68.1% p=0.004); to believe that they could check on abnormal Pap smears anytime (61.3% vs. 30.3% p=0.002); and to consider it an inconvenience to return for more tests (30.8% vs. 5.9% p<0.001). A low level of formal education was independently associated with these views. Latinas were also more likely to believe that good health was a matter of luck (45.8% vs 2.9% p<0.001) and to consider cervical cancer a “death sentence.” Older age was independently associated with these fears. However, both Latinas and Non-Latino White women reported trust in their doctors (95.9% vs 88.6% p<0.09) and the belief that regular Pap tests can prevent cervical cancer (99.4% vs. 80.9%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Health professional should consider these attitudes when developing interventions to improve adherence to follow-up for abnormal Pap smears.
Learning Objectives: Objective: At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify attitudes that may present barriers to follow-up of abnormal Pap smears among Latinas as well as attitudes that may be used to overcome these barriers.
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Latinas
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.