Papanicolaou screening awareness and involvement by Hmong American women aged 18 to 64 years in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Abstract

The investigator in this study sought to determine the Pap test coverage for Hmong American women aged 18 to 64 in La Crosse County, and also to determine the reasons (particularly socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural acceptance) why Hmong American women in La Crosse might avoid having the Pap test. The investigator conducted a two-part survey: the first was a quantitative assessment to identify the issues, and the second was a qualitative study based on a series of key informant interviews. From all 186 efficacy responses from the survey, 110 (59.14%) participants had had a Pap test in the past three years. From the data analysis, the age, the participants' years living in the United States and their knowledge about the Pap test procedure were leading factors that prevented them from having Pap test in the past three years. Differing educational levels, family income levels, and their coverage by health insurance also affected the decision of Hmong American female in La Crosse. Recommendations for further health education are: 1) educate Hmong American women in La Crosse County based on the age group that they are in; 2) introduce different ways to access the Pap test to people at different income levels (e.g., free clinic); 3) put more effort into new immigrant group health education; 4) have those who work with Hmong women take into consideration their different religious views and health beliefs; and 5) have health care providers become more culturally sensitive to Hmong American women when delivering health information and services.