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An Examination of Sociocultural Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Latina Immigrants of Reproductive Age

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to examine whether low-income Latina immigrants were less likely to receive a Pap smear than low-income non-Latinas; 2) to examine ethnic differences regarding cervical cancer knowledge; and 3) to examine the sociocultural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among low-income Latina immigrants. Participants included 225 low-income women of reproductive age attending a WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic (50% Latina immigrants and 50% non-Latinas). Latina immigrants were less educated, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to be married or living with a partner than non-Latinas (ps < 0.05). All non-Latinas had a Pap smear in the past compared to 81.3% of Latina immigrants (p < 0.001). Latina immigrants displayed significantly less knowledge regarding cervical cancer than non-Latinas (ps < 0.01). Latina immigrants tended to display culturally based knowledge and beliefs regarding cervical cancer and screening that may influence getting a Pap smear.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

    Isabel C. Scarinci

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee

    Bettina M. Beech

  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    Kristen W. Kovach

  4. Department—Hickory Hill Clinic, Memphis and Shelby County Health, Memphis, Tennessee

    Terry L. Bailey

Authors
  1. Isabel C. Scarinci
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  2. Bettina M. Beech
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  3. Kristen W. Kovach
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  4. Terry L. Bailey
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Correspondence to Isabel C. Scarinci.

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Scarinci, I.C., Beech, B.M., Kovach, K.W. et al. An Examination of Sociocultural Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Latina Immigrants of Reproductive Age. Journal of Immigrant Health 5, 119–128 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023939801991

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