Examining Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization Among African Immigrant Women: A Literature Review

Adebola Adegboyega

doi:10.23937/2474-1353/1510046

Abstract

Caffeine is a substance presented in foods such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolates and medicines and is commonly consumed by pregnant women. Due to its ability to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the fetus body, caffeine and its metabolites have been contraindicated or recommended in small doses during pregnancy.

Highlights

Every year 530,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 275,000 die from the disease [1]
Based on the findings from this review, African Immigrant (AI) women should be targeted for education about the importance of cervical cancer screening to bridge the knowledge gaps and multilevel initiatives could lead to improved access and utilization of screening services among this growing immigrant population
The article selection was based on the following inclusion criteria: (a) studies were published in English between 2005 and 2015, (b) studies reported on cervical cancer screening in an AI population, (c) articles were peer reviewed, (d) and the article was either a qualitative or quantitative research study, (e) studies done in Europe, Australia, or North America

Summary

Introduction

Every year 530,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 275,000 die from the disease [1]. Cervical cancer incidence rates are highest in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Melanesia, and the Caribbean and are lowest in Western Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Cervical cancer screening has successfully decreased cervical cancer incidence and mortality [5] in developed countries. In many sub-Saharan African countries, cervical cancer screening programs have not been effective due to multifactorial barriers that are client-based, provider-based, and system-based [7]. 530,000 women per year are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 275,000 die from the disease. Immigrant women in the United States (U.S.) may be disproportionately affected by cervical cancer; there is scarce literature addressing cervical cancer screening in African immigrants (AIs) when compared to other immigrant groups. This systematic review evaluates the state of cervical cancer screening research in AIs and identifies current gaps

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