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HPV and Cervical Cancer Testing and Prevention: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes Among Hispanic Women

Coletta Reid and Associates, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Julie Baum

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Veronica Plaza

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Maria Otero

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Cosette Wheeler

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Deborah L. Helitzer

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease resulting from infection with high-risk types of sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Public knowledge of HPVs and their link to cervical cancer is limited. Participation in cervical cancer prevention programs, including Pap and HPV screening and HPV vaccine acceptance, is crucial for limiting the incidence of cervical cancer. Hispanic women suffer the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the United States. In this study, we conducted community-based focus groups with Hispanic women to explore knowledge and attitudes relating to cervical cancer, HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination. Study findings suggest a need to increase public health literacy in relation to HPV, the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and HPV primary and secondary prevention options. Health care providers should be prepared to share information with patients that supports and promotes informed decision making about HPV testing and vaccines and their complementary roles in cervical cancer screening and prevention.

Key Words: cancer • screening • cancer • prevention • cancer • psychosocial aspects • community and public health • health education • focus groups • health behavior • health care • decision making • Latino/Hispanic people • women's health

This version was published on May 1, 2008

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 18, No. 5, 584-596 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732308315734


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