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Chinese-Australian Women’s Knowledge, Facilitators and Barriers Related to Cervical Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Understanding the different facilitators and barriers to screening within cultural and ethnic groups is important for developing appropriate education and outreach programs to underserved groups. Qualitative methods were employed to gain a rich understanding of participant views. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese Australian women in their native languages and analysed using content analysis. Knowledge of cervical cancer was low, and few participants understood the benefits and purpose of screening. Having a doctor’s recommendation was a strong motivator, and returning for screening was encouraged by having a female Chinese doctor perform the exam, receiving a reminder letter and the absence of cost for screening participation. However, participation was inhibited by logistical barriers, cultural beliefs and previous painful screening experiences. A range of multifaceted facilitators and barriers must be considered when developing interventions to increase the rates of cervical screening in this population.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the participants for their time and Ms Shuk Man Wan for her assistance in conducting the interviews.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Nursing Research Unit, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Cannas Kwok, Kate White & Jessica K. Roydhouse

  2. Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Kate White & Jessica K. Roydhouse

  3. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Postgraduate Medicine, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia

    Kate White

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  1. Cannas Kwok
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Correspondence to Cannas Kwok.

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Kwok, C., White, K. & Roydhouse, J.K. Chinese-Australian Women’s Knowledge, Facilitators and Barriers Related to Cervical Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study. J Immigrant Minority Health 13, 1076–1083 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-011-9491-4

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