Mammography and pap testing screening among first generation Chinese Americans

Update Item Information
Title Mammography and pap testing screening among first generation Chinese Americans
Publication Type dissertation
School or College College of Nursing
Department Nursing
Author Lee-Lin, Frances Fen-Fang
Date 2006-08
Description Despite the widespread availability of cancer screening, disparities in breast and cervical cancer rates persist among Asian American women. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asian American women in the United States (U.S.). Asian American women still have higher incidence and death rates for cervical cancer than U.S. Caucasian women despite an overall decline in cervical cancer deaths in the U.S. This study examined the perceptions and beliefs about breast and cervical cancer, mammography, and Pap smear practices among Chinese American women (CAW), the largest Asian female population in the U.S. The Health Belief Model guided this cross-sectional, descriptive study. Three questionnaires were combined, modified, translated, and pretested for this study. A study sample of 100 CAW, ages 40 and older, was recruited from Portland, Oregon. Only 48.5% of the participants reported a mammogram within the last year. Having a mammogram within the last year was strongly associated with having an immediate family member diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by having insurance that covered a mammogram and lower perceived barriers to obtaining a mammogram. Respondents had a low knowledge level about breast cancer and mammography screening guidelines, and perceived low susceptibility to breast cancer. Only 68% of respondents reported that their last Pap was within the past 3 years. Pap screening was strongly associated with younger age, having insurance coverage and having a regular health care provider (HCP). Women who had a HCP were approximately five times more likely to report having a Pap smear within the last three years when compared to women without a HCP. Women with health insurance were four times more likely to report having a pap smear than those women without insurance. Findings of this study underscore both the value of a recommendation from a regular HCP to obtain screening and having adequate insurance coverage to pay for cancer screening. Primary HCPs should be reminded of their powerful role in increasing cancer screening adherence. Further health policy action is necessary to extend screening coverage to first generation CAW who do not have adequate health insurance.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Radiography; Breast Neoplasma; Hygiene; Health
Subject MESH Vaginal Smears; Asian Americans; Breast
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name PhD
Language eng
Relation is Version of Digital reproduction of "Mammography and pap testing screening among first generation Chinese Americans." Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Print version of "Mammography and pap testing screening among first generation Chinese Americans." available at J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collection. RC39.5 2006 .L44
Rights Management © Frances Fen-Fang Lee-Lin.
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 3,436,181 bytes
Identifier undthes,5424
Source Original: University of Utah Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (no longer available).
Funding/Fellowship American Cancer Society (DSCN-04-165-01), the Oncology Nursing Socieity Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Award, and Sigma Theta Tau Beta Psi Chapter and NCI training grant R25 CA093831.
Master File Extent 3,436,221 bytes
ARK ark:/87278/s66w9cwz
Setname ir_etd
ID 191356
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s66w9cwz
Back to Search Results