Barriers and Challenges to Cervical Cancer Screening, Follow-Up, and Prevention Measures among Korean Immigrant Women in Hawaii

OBJECTIVE

Despite being the fastest-growing population in the United States, Asian American women have one of the lowest cancer screening rates and the least attention given to cancer-related research. Cervical cancer screening disparities among Korean immigrant women (KIWs) in Hawaii have been reported.

METHODS

The qualitative ethnographic study was to explore the health barriers and challenges of cervical cancer prevention among KIWs in Hawaii. The Social Ecological Model was used to guide the study. Data were collected using individual structured interviews with 20 KIWs aged 21-65 years. The data were coded and analyzed to identify themes in exploring health barriers.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that participants (a) lacked knowledge about the U.S. health-care system; (b) lacked access; (c) had limited resources regarding cervical cancer screening communicated in Korean; (d) lacked an understanding of cultural and psychosocial beliefs on preventive care; (e) lacked female and Korean-speaking providers; and (f) experienced language barriers and limited coverage of health insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

A multicomponent intervention combining individual and community-based, Internet-accessible, culturally, and linguistically appropriate approaches may enhance effective cervical cancer screening rates and positive health outcomes among KIWs in Hawaii.