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Cervical cancer screening
Author(s) -
Hodge Felicia Schanche,
Stubbs Harrison A.,
Gurgin Vonnie,
Fredericks Larri
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19981015)83:8+<1799::aid-cncr25>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , cervical cancer , gynecology , obstetrics
Cervical cancer is a significant problem among American Indian women. Studies report very high mortality and poor 5‐year survival rates compared with other ethnic groups. This paper reports on the impact of a culturally framed cervical cancer educational project on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward cervical cancer screening among American Indian women in California. Eight Indian clinic centers, four urban and four rural, were assigned randomly to intervention and control sites (n = 414). A culturally sensitive educational approach was used as a vehicle to provide cancer education to improve adherence to cancer screening recommendations. Pre‐ and posttest questionnaires were administered, and the data were analyzed. Clinic charts were abstracted. Study results indicated significant statistical differences in postintervention knowledge levels between women from the intervention and control centers. The analysis of changes in attitude statements resulted in only modest changes. Behavioral changes require additional analysis, because the self‐administered questionnaire results conflict with the participant's chart review. This study has shown the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate approach and methodology for teaching about recommended preventive health techniques for cancer control. Cancer 1998;83:1799‐1804. © 1998 American Cancer Society.