J Korean Acad Nurs.  2004 Jun;34(4):617-624.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Korean American Women : Findings from Focus Group Interviews

• Kim H
• Lee KJ
• Lee SO
• Kim S

Abstract

PURPOSE: Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. METHOD: Focus group methods. RESULT: Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of womanhood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening ; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Forth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. CONCLUSION: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.

Keyword

Cervical Cancer; Screening; Focus Groups

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
*Asian Americans/education/ethnology/statistics & numerical data
Communication Barriers
Existentialism/psychology
Fear/psychology
Female
Focus Groups
Gender Identity
*Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Korea/ethnology
*Mass Screening/psychology/utilization
Middle Aged
Needs Assessment
Nursing Methodology Research
Patient Acceptance of Health Care/*ethnology/statistics & numerical data
Patient Education as Topic/standards
Qualitative Research
Questionnaires
Shame
Shyness
Socioeconomic Factors
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/*diagnosis/ethnology
*Vaginal Smears/psychology/utilization
Washington/epidemiology