HPV AWARENESS AMONG LATINA IMMIGRANTS AND ANGLO-AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES: CULTURAL MODELS OF CERVICAL CANCER RISK FACTORS AND BELIEFS

Latinas have higher cervical cancer age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates, and present with more advanced disease compared to non-Latino whites. This study used a cross-sectional mixed methods survey design, exploring knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer screening with four groups of women (Mexican, Honduran, Puerto Rican, Anglo-American; n= 80) attending low-income health clinics along with one group of Latina health care workers (n = 17). Data analyses included univariate frequency distributions and one-way ANOVA tests for quantitative data, thematic and content analysis for qualitative data, and cultural consensus analysis using the covariance method to compare groups. Results indicate overall cultural consensus for the five subgroups for both the agree/disagree questions and rankings on cervical cancer risk factors. However, differences were found between Latina women compared to Anglo-American patients and health care clinic workers around birth control practices as possible causal factors for cervical cancer. Other findings suggested greater awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among Anglo-American and Puerto Rican women compared to Mexican and Honduran women. Mexican and Honduran women were less likely to be aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine, and more likely to be uninsured and without a regular health care provider. Results point to the need to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in specific subgroups experiencing cervical cancer disparities to identify target areas for health education. Study findings will beused to inform the development and pilot testing of health education curriculum modules for cervical cancer prevention.