Factors associated with perceived risk of cervical cancer among Latina immigrants

This study examined factors associated with perceived risk of cervical cancer (CC) among Latina immigrants in the US. A survey was administered to 206 Latinas aged 19-44 years (x= 28). Among behavioral characteristics assessed, women were asked if they believe were at risk of CC; approximately 30% believed were at risk, 25% said they were not at risk, and 45% did not know. Approximately 85% of participants were married, had 9.7 years of education, had been in the US for 4 years, and 93% did not have health insurance. On average their sexual debut was at age 18, had had two partners in their lifetime, and 20% had had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Women that did not know if at risk, were less educated, and had less knowledge about CC, and its risk factors. We used multinomial logistic regression, and believing that one is at risk as the reference category. Women without a history of STI, who have ever douched regularly (ORs=3.3, 2.7 respectively) were more likely to no perceive susceptible to CC. Women with a higher knowledge of risk factors for CC, were less likely to indicate that they did not know whether they were at risk (OR=0.76). Having a relative or someone close with cancer, age of sexual debut, number of partners, and age were not associated with perceived risk. Health care professionals should educate women about risk factors for CC, and target those who practice vaginal douching since they tend to not perceive themselves at risk.