Reproductive screening behaviors among US-born and non-US-born women in public sector clinics: Higher rates exist among immigrant women

Background: Data from the National Health Interview Survey indicate that approximately 15% of all women under age 65 do not have health insurance. A national survey found that 34% of low-income women (ages 18-64) in the US and 45% in Florida were uninsured. Among immigrant women, access to reproductive screening tests for cervical and breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS may be affected by lack of insurance coverage. Purpose: Knowledge of the benefits of Pap tests and mammograms is related to increased screening behaviors, especially among immigrant women, which may mitigate barriers related to insurance status. This pilot study was conducted in two public sector medicine clinics that serve low income, uninsured populations in central Florida to identify screening behaviors among women. Methods: Ninety-six women aged 18-65 completed a survey on health practices, including those related to reproductive screening behaviors. Approximately 75% of those surveyed were Hispanic; the majority did not speak English. Results and Discussion: Of the women born in the U.S., 31% reported getting a Pap test in the last year compared to the 51% of the women not born in the U.S. Additionally, 46% of foreign born women reported receiving a mammogram, while only 33% of U.S. -born women reported receiving a mammogram in the same time period. Screening tests for HIV are being compiled. Discussion: Results from this pilot test bear further scrutiny, as screening practices are typically lower among immigrant groups, specifically in reproductive tests such as Pap tests and mammograms.