AlAbdulKader AM, AlAsfour A, Golembiewski M, Gullett H. Disparities in cervical cancer screening among Arabic-speaking women refugees.
Ethn Health 2023;
28:1115-1127. [PMID:
37337316 DOI:
10.1080/13557858.2023.2224953]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among females and one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Minority women are disproportionately more vulnerable. This study addressed disparities in cervical cancer screening among Arabic-speaking women refugees.
DESIGN
We conducted a cross-sectional study using qualitative and quantitative research methods at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States of America (USA). A structured phone-based survey was developed and administered in Arabic. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 and involved 20 participants.
RESULTS
Inequity in cervical cancer screening exists among Arab women refugees (41% being up to date with their screening) compared to their English- and Spanish-speaking counterparts (51%). These women perceived that the top three barriers to cervical cancer screening were fear of cancer, language, and lack of knowledge. The top three perceived facilitators were the doctor's recommendation, reminders from the provider's office, and awareness of cervical cancer screening.
CONCLUSION
Our work brings unique insights into improving preventive care services for Arabic-speaking women. These findings add unique insight focused on improving preventive care in this group and can inform interventions to increase cancer screening amongst Arabic-speaking women.
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