Abstract C62: Sub-Saharan African immigrant men's knowledge and support related to cervical cancer screening: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer screening disparity puts sub-Saharan African immigrant women at an increased risk for development of invasive cervical cancer. Several studies have identified various factors influencing cervical cancer screening use among sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States. One of such factors is the role of spousal support; African men are often the gatekeepers of health for their families and have significant influence on the health-seeking behavior of their wives/female partners. However, limited research exists on men's knowledge and support related to Pap screening. Thus, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study to assess knowledge and support related to Pap screening among sub-Saharan African immigrant men in Lexington, Kentucky. Method: In-depth individual interviews using semistructured guide were conducted with 21 sub-Saharan African immigrant men who were married or in committed relationships. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: The average age of the study participants was 36 ± 9; 53% have lived in the US for more than 5 years; 88% were college educated; 43% make more than $50,000 annually; and 62% were married. General knowledge of Pap screening, cervical cancer, and HPV's role in the etiology of cervical cancer was minimal. Men showed the desire to support their wives/female partners to have a Pap screening. All participants preferred to be carried along and informed about their wives' decision to have a Pap screening in order to provide any support that might be needed. The narratives related to health care providers' gender preference varied among men; several men showed preference for a female health care provider for Pap screening services for their wives/female partners while others showed no preference. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of men's support in promoting Pap screening among sub-Saharan African immigrant women. Men should be included in cervical cancer prevention efforts to leverage their support. Thorough understanding of African family dynamics, cultural norms, and values related to preventive health care seeking is essential to the design and implementation of interventions for improving Pap screening among sub-Saharan African immigrant women. Citation Format: Adebola Adegboyega, Jennifer Hatcher. Sub-Saharan African immigrant men's knowledge and support related to cervical cancer screening: A qualitative descriptive study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C62.