Poster Presentation Women's Health Forum 2021

Reasons behind low cervical screening uptake among South Asian immigrant women in Australia: a qualitative understanding (#25)

Zufishan Alam 1 , Hanoor Deol 2 , Judith Dean 3 , Monika Janda 1
  1. Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  2. Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  3. School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Despite advancements in prevention strategies, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among underprivileged women. In line with WHO’s recent global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, Australia has escalated efforts to meet this aim. To achieve it, Australia’s focus needs to be on population subgroups at greatest risk, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. In a previous survey we found low HPV, cervical cancer and screening knowledge levels among South Asian immigrant women and these were significantly associated with low English language proficiency. Knowledge in turn was significantly associated with screening uptake. Thus objective of this study was to gain in-depth insights into the enablers and barriers of cervical screening participation among South Asian immigrant women with low English language proficiency, who are most at risk of underscreening. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted in the participants’ first language with a convenience sample of 21 women, 25-55 years, living in Queensland, Australia. After translation and transcription of recorded interviews, data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach in NVivo. Enablers identified included: active encouragement by the General Practitioners; availability of female doctor; familiarity with the health care system especially among newly arrived immigrants; and use of screening reminders. Barriers included: lack of knowledge about cervical cancer; and about HPV test self-sampling; socio-cultural norms and beliefs such as embarrassment and stigma attached to the topic, or the lack of concept of preventive health; and practical constraints such as language comprehension and lack of time. Results suggest that culturally sensitive interventions that include information provision to address misconceptions and behavioural change strategies to improve preventative action are required. This could be done through effective communication by health care professionals and media campaigns involving relevant stakeholders to promote discussion around the topic, and increase cervical cancer screening participation.