Sociocultural determinants of breast and cervical cancer screening adherence: an examination of variation among immigrant Latinas by country of origin

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2012 Nov;23(4):1768-92. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2012.0191.

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and culturally-relevant psychosocial and interpersonal factors across four sub-groups of immigrant Latinas, and how these factors are associated with adherence to age-specific breast and cervical cancer screening. Data come from a baseline survey using an electronic audience response system from a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a cancer screening program in New York and Arkansas (n=1,548). Mexican women were least likely to be adherent to cancer screening tests (clinical breast exam, mammogram, or Pap test). Mexican women also differed from the other sub-groups in terms of sociodemographics, barriers, and interactions within the health care system. Correlates of screening adherence differed by country of origin, with the exception of spouse/partner attendance at the program, which was negatively associated with adherence across several sub-groups. Findings provide important information about Latina sub-group variability that can help inform the development of breast and cervical cancer screening interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arkansas / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Early Detection of Cancer / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Patient Compliance / ethnology*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Young Adult