An examination of sociocultural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among low-income Latina immigrants of reproductive age.

The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to examine whether low-income Latina immigrants were less likely to receive a Pap smear than low-income non-Latinas; 2) to examine ethnic differences regarding cervical cancer knowledge; and 3) to examine the sociocultural factors associated with cervical cancer screening among low-income Latina immigrants. Participants included 225 low-income women of reproductive age attending a WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic (50% Latina immigrants and 50% non-Latinas). Latina immigrants were less educated, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to be married or living with a partner than non-Latinas (ps<0.05). All non-Latinas had a Pap smear in the past compared to 81.3% of Latina immigrants (p<0.001). Latina immigrants displayed significantly less knowledge regarding cervical cancer than non-Latinas (ps<0.01). Latina immigrants tended to display culturally based knowledge and beliefs regarding cervical cancer and screening that may influence getting a Pap smear.