142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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“Pero solo tengo una pareja” (But I only have one partner): Myths and misconceptions regarding cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) among women in Panama City, Panama

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 : 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Lisa Werth, B.A. , Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Santa Clarita, CA
Arlene Calvo, PhD, MPH , Community and Family Health, Global Health, University of South Florida Panama Program, Panama, Panama
Morgan Hess-Holtz, MPH, CPH , USF Health International Foundation, Panama City, Panama
Lourdes Alguero, RN, MPH , Universidad de Panamá, Panama
Sheila Murphy, PhD , Annenberg School of Communication, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Meghan Bridgid Moran, PhD , School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Joyee S. Chatterjee, PhD , Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
Paula Amezola, MPH , Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: Cervical cancer ranks second in terms of prevalence and mortality among female cancers in Panama, where HPV is highly prevalent (>50%).  Few qualitative studies have investigated cultural beliefs and knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV among Panamanian women and the role these views may play in screening behaviors.

Objective: Describe knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine among women in Panama City, Panama.

Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach with quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group data. Women aged 18-65 from inner-city Panama completed a verbal survey. Focus group data (collection currently underway, 2-4 groups anticipated) will further explore emergent themes, including: beliefs, perceived risk, and emotions related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine.

Results: Within our quantitative survey, 24.78% (n= 28/113) and 17.70% (n= 20/113) of respondents felt they were personally at risk for cervical cancer or HPV infection, respectively.  Emergent themes from preliminary qualitative data include: fear and shame associated with cervical cancer; misconceptions about risk factors for HPV (including number of sexual partners); and competing priorities/lack of time as barriers to Pap screening and HPV vaccine completion.

Discussion: Among Panamanian women, knowledge and understanding of HPV and its role in causing cervical cancer was limited and fraught with misinformation.  Preliminary data highlights the importance of developing culturally appropriate health education materials and campaigns to address knowledge gaps and misinformation.  These results reinforce the significance of addressing stigma and shame associated with discussing sexual matters among Panamanian women.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine among women in Panama City, Panama. Identify myths, misinformation, and misconceptions related to cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine among women in Panama City, Panama. Analyze the role of cultural environment in influencing a woman’s understanding of cervical cancer and HPV.

Keyword(s): Cancer and Women’s Health, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As lead investigator for this project in Panama, I have been involved from conception of the protocol through data collection and analysis. I am working closely with faculty both at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of South Florida, Panama Office on this project. I have the support of multiple mentors with experience in numerous large-scale international grants focusing on sociocultural aspects of women’s health, community based participatory research, and cancer prevention.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4173.0: Multi-cultural approaches to breast and cervical cancer prevention and control (a collaborative session with the Women's Caucus and Cancer Forum)