Abstract
Understanding the different facilitators and barriers to screening within cultural and ethnic groups is important for developing
appropriate education and outreach programs to underserved groups. Qualitative methods were employed to gain a rich understanding
of participant views. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese Australian women in their native languages and analysed
using content analysis. Knowledge of cervical cancer was low, and few participants understood the benefits and purpose of
screening. Having a doctor’s recommendation was a strong motivator, and returning for screening was encouraged by having a
female Chinese doctor perform the exam, receiving a reminder letter and the absence of cost for screening participation. However,
participation was inhibited by logistical barriers, cultural beliefs and previous painful screening experiences. A range of
multifaceted facilitators and barriers must be considered when developing interventions to increase the rates of cervical
screening in this population.
appropriate education and outreach programs to underserved groups. Qualitative methods were employed to gain a rich understanding
of participant views. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese Australian women in their native languages and analysed
using content analysis. Knowledge of cervical cancer was low, and few participants understood the benefits and purpose of
screening. Having a doctor’s recommendation was a strong motivator, and returning for screening was encouraged by having a
female Chinese doctor perform the exam, receiving a reminder letter and the absence of cost for screening participation. However,
participation was inhibited by logistical barriers, cultural beliefs and previous painful screening experiences. A range of
multifaceted facilitators and barriers must be considered when developing interventions to increase the rates of cervical
screening in this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9491-4
- Authors
- Cannas Kwok, Cancer Nursing Research Unit, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kate White, Cancer Nursing Research Unit, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Jessica K. Roydhouse, Cancer Nursing Research Unit, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912