HPV knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs among Hispanic men and women living on the Texas-Mexico border. Fernandez ME, McCurdy SA, Arvey SR, Tyson SK, Morales-Campos D, Flores B, Useche B, Mitchell-Bennett L, Sanderson M. Ethn Health. 2009 Dec;14(6):607-24. doi: 10.1080/13557850903248621. PMID: 19953392
Abstract
Background:
US Hispanic women have higher cervical cancer incidence rates than non-Hispanic White and African-American women and lower rates of cervical cancer screening. Knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs may play a role in higher rates of infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and decisions about subsequent diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Study aim:
To explore the level of HPV knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs among Hispanic men and women on the Texas-Mexico border.
Implications for practice:
Results suggest that understanding Hispanics’ cultural norms and values concerning disease, sexuality, and gender is essential to the design and implementation of interventions to prevent and treat HPV and cervical cancer.
