Assessing cervical cancer knowledge and health care access among Hmong women

A retrospective analysis of cervical cancer incidence in California from 1988 to 2000 by Richard Yang and et al. found that Hmong women experienced cervical cancer three and four times higher than Asian Pacific Islander (API) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women, respectively. Hmong females were three to four times more likely to die from cervical cancer than API and NHW women. Also, Hmong have an oral tradition and little information is available regarding Hmong-American women education levels. There exist barriers for Hmong-American women in accessing health care services. A bi-lingual survey was created and twelve Hmong women were interviewed. The survey focused on sources of cervical cancer awareness, access to health care providers, education and possible media for cervical cancer awareness. Data served as a baseline for future collaboration with Hmong women. Results found that most of the participants had heard about cervical cancer, majority of the participants had a form of health care insurance and had access to a health care provider. Ages for participants ranged from 19 to 65 years old. Majority of the participants indicated an interest in participating in future research. Data indicates that this group of Hmong-American women has cervical cancer awareness and has access to a health care provider. Other factors may be contributing to the high incidence and mortality of cervical cancer among Hmong women in California. Conclusively, there needs be more research done with a large, diverse group of Hmong-American women to identify specific barriers to cervical cancer among Hmong-American women.