A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG IMMIGRANT WOMEN

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.32827/ijphcs.6.1.22

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most frequently occur cancers among female population around the world and thus a significant public health problem. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STI) in both men and women globally and more than 100 HPV types are known. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the most important risk factor for CC. Low cervical cancer screening participation among immigrant women due to screening inaccessibility of healthcare services, ineffectiveness, unaffordable medical treatments and lack of awareness of screening. The objective of this study is to systematically identify factors that influence the cervical cancer screening among immigrant women.

Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to examine published studies on associating factors that Influence cervical cancer screening among immigrant women. Two independent researchers searched through Google scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE and Science Direct databases.

Result: A total of 11 eligible study papers were included for final analysis. Factors that influence the immigrant women to undergo cervical cancer screening services: literacy in local language (OR: 4.04, 95%CI: 1.76-9.23), married (OR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.32-4.73), knowledge (OR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.09-1.29). As for barriers: living in rural area (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.11-3.46), discrimination (OR: 2.19, 95%CI: 1.16-4.14) and unemployment (OR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.36-0.87).

Conclusion: Effective interventions and program are required to tackle immigrant women in order to prevent late stage cervical cancer cases. Early prevention strategy and any suspicious screen-detected lesion or cytological result can be easily channeled to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Cervical cancer screening, factors, immigrants