Spousal support and knowledge related to cervical cancer screening: Are Sub-Saharan African immigrant men interested?

Health Care Women Int. 2019 Jun;40(6):665-681. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2019.1615914. Epub 2019 May 14.

Abstract

Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) men have significant influence on the health-seeking behavior including cervical cancer screening uptake by their female partners/wives. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 21 SSAI men to explore knowledge, perceptions, and support related to cervical screening. Participants were aged 36 ± 9 years, college educated (88%), and 53% have lived in the U.S. > 5 years. Three themes emerged; inadequate cervical cancer knowledge, willingness and strategies for support, and shared versus autonomous decision making for screening. Social structure with emphasis on male leadership could be leveraged in cervical cancer screening promotion for SSAI women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa South of the Sahara / ethnology
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Decision Making
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Spouses / psychology*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Vaginal Smears*