Is Pap Test Awareness Critical to Pap Test Uptake in Women Living in Rural Vietnam?

Hee Lee,Jongwook Lee,Kun Wang,Qingyi Li,Quoc Huy Nguyen Vu,Yan Luo,Sara Hendrix,Sangchul Yoon

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.3.903

Abstract

Introduction:Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Vietnamese females. By detecting precancerous cells, Pap test screening plays a critical role in the fight against cervical cancer. The present study aims to investigate health-related factors associated with receipt of Pap test among Vietnamese females living in rural Vietnam, particularly examining the correlation between awareness level of the Pap test and the receiving of Pap test. Methods:Anderson’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use was utilized as the present study’s theoretical framework. A self-administrated questionnaire was completed among 193 females residing in Quantri City, Vietnam. Results:Only 15.5% (N=30) of participants in our sample have had a Pap test. Pap test awareness (OR = 18.38, p<.001) was a strong predictor of Pap test receipt. Participants who had heard about Pap test were 18.38 times more likely to take a Pap test compared to those who had no prior knowledge. Besides the awareness, variables including employment (OR = .18, p<.05), and health insurance coverage (OR = 10.75, p<.05) were significantly associated with Pap test uptake. Conclusion:Findings from the present study suggests interventions should be provided through public health efforts to enhance awareness of Pap test by aiming at increasing primary prevention of cervical cancer, especially among Vietnamese women living in rural areas, in order to reduce cancer health disparities.

Highlights

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Vietnamese females
The present study aims to investigate health-related factors associated with receipt of Pap test among Vietnamese females living in rural Vietnam, examining the correlation between awareness level of the Pap test and the receiving of Pap test
Findings from the present study suggests interventions should be provided through public health efforts to enhance awareness of Pap test by aiming at increasing primary prevention of cervical cancer, especially among Vietnamese women living in rural areas, in order to reduce cancer health disparities

Summary

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Vietnamese females. The present study aims to investigate health-related factors associated with receipt of Pap test among Vietnamese females living in rural Vietnam, examining the correlation between awareness level of the Pap test and the receiving of Pap test. Conclusion: Findings from the present study suggests interventions should be provided through public health efforts to enhance awareness of Pap test by aiming at increasing primary prevention of cervical cancer, especially among Vietnamese women living in rural areas, in order to reduce cancer health disparities. The cost of a Pap test and screening services remain inexpensive; the Pap test receipt in Vietnam still remains low (Domingo et al, 2008; Suba et al, 2001, 2006; Tran et al, 2018)

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Conclusion