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Facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among 1.5 and 2nd-Generation Vietnamese-American women

Although knowledge of cervical cancer screening and prevention has become more prevalent in recent years, Vietnamese-American women continue to be disproportionately affected by cervical cancer incidence. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among 1.5 and 2nd generation VietnameseAmerican women between 21-30 years old. A convenience sample of 10 women, identified as either 1.5 or 2nd generation Vietnamese-American, Washington State residents, aged 23-29 were recruited for telephone interviews. Content analysis was utilized for data analysis. Facilitators of cervical cancer screening included recommendation by primary care providers, openness to discussion with providers about gynecological issues, and participants’ positive attitudes toward prevention. Barriers identified were a lack of knowledge, lack of recommendation by primary care providers, lack of health care coverage, lack of perceived risk, fear or discomfort associated with pap smears, and stigma related to sexual health. This exploratory study was the first study to specifically target a sub-group of young Vietnamese-American women of 1.5 and 2nd generation immigration status. Despite having the lowest cervical cancer screening rates across all age groups, this sub-group has been absent from previous studies on the subject of beliefs and behaviors surrounding cervical cancer and Vietnamese-American women. Knowledge gained from this study serves to enhance providers’ knowledge in working with this sub-group. The insight gained can help to design more effective and culturally-sensitive interventions to address this disparity. *Correspondence to: Mo-Kyung Sin, Seattle University College of Nursing, 901 12th Ave P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090, E-mail: sinm@seattleu.edu