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Young Asian Americans’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Cervical Cancer and the Human Papillomavirus

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Abstract

Cervical cancer is a major health disparity among Asian Americans, with cervical cancer rates of Vietnamese women being significantly higher than for the general US female population and low screening rates reported for Asian American females. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with young Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean adults (ages 18–29) to collect information on knowledge, perceptions and sources of information regarding cervical cancer, Pap tests and the human papillomavirus. 16 Korean, 18 Vietnamese, and 18 Filipino (50% female) adults participated in the study. Many participants had never heard of HPV, cervical cancer and Pap testing. Cervical cancer screening rates were low for Korean and Vietnamese females and were influenced by moral beliefs and lack of awareness. Culturally relevant education materials that consider specific Asian ethnicity and language are needed to increase awareness of cervical cancer, Pap testing, and HPV among Asian American young adults

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Asian American Health Coalition of Greater Houston, Inc. and supported by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities: Project EXPORT (P60MD00503). The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Jenny Yi, Ms. Sur Ja Min, Dr. TuongVi Ho, Mr. Dominic Ho, Ms. Patsy Concepcion, Ms. Lucia Tran, Boat People SOS (Houston), Mr. TruongSon Hoang, Ms. Tram “Chum” Nguyen, Ms. Nhu Xuan Huynh, Ms. Thuy Nguyen, Ms. Gigi Lee, Ms. Diane Yoo, Mr. Jaemin Seo, Ms. Emee Nisnisan, Ms. Norma Benzon and Ms. Shane Chen. We appreciate the community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and community members who participated in the focus groups.

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Correspondence to Beverly J. Gor.

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Gor, B.J., Chilton, J.A., Camingue, P.T. et al. Young Asian Americans’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Cervical Cancer and the Human Papillomavirus. J Immigrant Minority Health 13, 81–86 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-010-9343-7

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