Background: Understanding why Arab American women have lower adherence to cervical cancer screening compared to other racial/ethnic groups is important. The study aimed to understand attitudes and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among Arab American women. Methods: A mixed-method approach was employed, including nine focus groups and an online questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, medical history, screening practices, and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening were assessed. Results: Focus group participants (n = 22) demonstrated varying levels of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, including limited awareness of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Participants expressed mixed feelings about HPV self-sampling. Among questionnaire respondents (n = 25), who on average had a higher socioeconomic status than focus group participants, 73.9% had undergone a Pap test, with 94% up to date on screening. While 59% preferred self-sampling at home, almost two in five cited concerns about sample accuracy. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the variability in attitudes and experiences towards cervical cancer screening among Arab American women, potentially driven by socioeconomic disparities. Our qualitative results suggest the need for targeted, culturally tailored health education in the Arab American community. Further research should explore effective strategies to engage this underserved group and enhance adherence to prevention programs.
背景：了解为何阿拉伯裔美国女性在宫颈癌筛查依从性方面低于其他种族/族裔群体具有重要意义。本研究旨在探究阿拉伯裔美国女性对宫颈癌预防及HPV疫苗接种的态度与认知。方法：采用混合研究方法，包括九个焦点小组讨论和在线问卷调查。评估内容包括人口学特征、病史、筛查行为以及对HPV疫苗接种和HPV自采样用于宫颈癌筛查的态度。结果：焦点小组参与者（n=22）对宫颈癌和HPV的认知水平存在差异，其中对巴氏涂片检查的认知较为有限。参与者对HPV自采样表现出矛盾态度。在问卷调查受访者（n=25）中（其平均社会经济地位高于焦点小组参与者），73.9%曾接受过巴氏涂片检查，其中94%保持定期筛查。尽管59%的受访者倾向于居家自采样，但近五分之二的人对样本准确性表示担忧。结论：本研究表明阿拉伯裔美国女性对宫颈癌筛查的态度和经历存在差异，这可能由社会经济差异所驱动。定性研究结果提示，需要在阿拉伯裔美国社区开展具有文化针对性的健康教育。未来研究应探索有效策略以提升这一服务不足群体的参与度，并加强其对预防项目的依从性。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家