Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening among Hispanic Women in the United States

Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening among Hispanic Women in the United States by Benedicta Ilouno MSN, University of Phoenix, 2009 BSN, University of Phoenix, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2015 Abstract Minority women groups in the United States have the highest incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. Hispanic women have the highest incidence rate and the second highest mortality rate of the disease. Researchers have examined the lower rates of cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women, as compared to other groups of U.S. women, but researchers have not examined the extent to which socioeconomic status, acculturation, and sexual activity impact Hispanic women’s compliance with screening. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between compliance with cervical cancer screening and acculturation, socioeconomic status, and sexual activity among U.S. Hispanic women. The framework for investigating the extent of association between these identified barriers and willingness to comply with screening was the behavioral model for vulnerable populations. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze data from the National Health Interview Survey for 2011, 2012, and 2013, focusing on U.S. Hispanic women ages 21 65 (N = 739). The findings from this study revealed that educational level was significantly associated with U.S. Hispanic women’s cervical cancer screening; however, no statistically significant associations were found for socioeconomic status, acculturation, and sexual activity and screening rates for this group. Findings from this study can better inform researchers and others of the lower rate of screening for cervical cancer among U.S. Hispanic women. The findings will also promote positive social change by targeting U.S. Hispanic women and other minority women groups for programs that promote cervical cancer screening.Minority women groups in the United States have the highest incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. Hispanic women have the highest incidence rate and the second highest mortality rate of the disease. Researchers have examined the lower rates of cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women, as compared to other groups of U.S. women, but researchers have not examined the extent to which socioeconomic status, acculturation, and sexual activity impact Hispanic women’s compliance with screening. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between compliance with cervical cancer screening and acculturation, socioeconomic status, and sexual activity among U.S. Hispanic women. The framework for investigating the extent of association between these identified barriers and willingness to comply with screening was the behavioral model for vulnerable populations. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyze data from the National Health Interview Survey for 2011, 2012, and 2013, focusing on U.S. Hispanic women ages 21 65 (N = 739). The findings from this study revealed that educational level was significantly associated with U.S. Hispanic women’s cervical cancer screening; however, no statistically significant associations were found for socioeconomic status, acculturation, and sexual activity and screening rates for this group. Findings from this study can better inform researchers and others of the lower rate of screening for cervical cancer among U.S. Hispanic women. The findings will also promote positive social change by targeting U.S. Hispanic women and other minority women groups for programs that promote cervical cancer screening. Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening among Hispanic Women in the United States by Benedicta Ilouno MSN, University of Phoenix, 2009 BSN, University of Phoenix, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November, 2015 Dedication I give thanks to God for his grace throughout this journey. I dedicate my dissertation to my beloved late father Peter for instilling in me at a very young age the value of education and reminding me that my gender should not be a barrier to attaining the highest level of any career of my choice. To my husband George, our lovely children: Georgette, George Jr, Valentine and Georgia who was only three months old when I commenced my quest for further education, you are my guardian angel, words cannot explain the patience, love and support from all of you. To my dear mother Philomena and mother in-law Christiana for their prayers and encouragement through the years. My late maternal grandmother Elizabeth (Nne), who always reminded me of how proud she was of my educational pursuit and for her continuous prayers for my success in all my endeavors until she took her last breath in December, 2014. Finally, to all the women who have lost their lives through cervical cancer and those still battling this preventable and curable disease. Hopefully, an increased awareness on the importance of screening may decrease the incidence and mortality of the disease both in the United States and worldwide. Acknowledgments I humbly acknowledge my chair Dr. Diana Naser who till date is the best instructor and facilitator that I have ever had throughout my educational career. Dr. Naser, you so much believed in me, guided, supported and encouraged me even during your vacation outside the country you provided all the necessary support to ensure that my dissertation was completed in a record time, thanks immensely. To Dr. Alexander who always reminded me to keeping smiling and pass it on to those who needed one, many thanks for all the support and encouragement. Thanks to Dr. Agha for serving as the URR. To the CDC for making the NHIS data unrestricted. To my beloved pastor friends and their spouses: Bright and Ify, Jones and Nky, many thanks for all the prayers and support. My sister-friend Dr. Sinachi for believing in me and standing with me in thick and thin, Dr. Emma and Chinwe Mmagu for all the support and reassurance, Nduka and Joy, Nduka, I have not forgotten your daring challenge to further my education from more than a decade ago, thanks immensely. Dr. Christy Ejiogu for your guidance and support, Jimbuoy Okoye (Akalanze) for your prayers and encouragement. My siblings: Dennis, Ifeoma, Ekwy, Chidinma, Nkechi, Emma and Uche for your love and prayers, also a million thanks to the rest of my friends and families.