Perceived facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among ethnic minority women in Hong Kong

Abstract

Aim: To examine the uptake rate of Pap smear test and identify perceived facilitators and barriers to the test among South Asian women in Hong Kong.

Design: A mixed-method study design was used.

Methods: A total of 756 South Asian women (Indians, Nepalese, and Pakistanis) who are living in Hong Kong were recruited and they were invited to complete a survey. Twenty-one of them were invited to participate in four focus group interviews.

Results: 63% of the women had not received the Pap smear test. Perceived barriers to take part in the Pap smear test were insufficient knowledge of cervical cancer and screening tests, language barriers, poor accessibility to cancer screening service, religious belief and individual health beliefs. Perceived facilitators were peer and doctor advice for related health information.

Conclusion: The findings reflect an urgent need of developing and delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate health materials and health promotion programmes to South Asian women. Nurses should take an active role to assess health needs of these women, identify their barriers and advise those in need to have cervical cancer screening and how to access such services.