Supporting Informed Decision-Making Regarding Participation in Cervical Cancer Prevention Programs: A Qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociomedical Sciences
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Turkish-, Moroccan-, and Syrian-Dutch women exhibit disproportionately high cervical cancer (CC) rates in the Netherlands.
• These groups show lower participation in CC screening and Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programs compared to native Dutch women and other ethnic minorities.
• Current informational materials fail to adequately address the practical, emotional, cultural, and religious concerns of these populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the information-seeking behaviors of Turkish-, Moroccan-, and Syrian-Dutch women concerning CC screening and HPV vaccination.
• To identify the specific information needs of these women regarding CC prevention methods.
• To inform the development of culturally sensitive communication strategies for improved health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 51 Turkish-, Moroccan-, and Syrian-Dutch women.
• Utilized an interview guide informed by the Health Belief Model, Reasoned Action Approach, and Betancourt's Model of Culture and Behavior.
• Employed thematic analysis on verbatim interview transcripts to identify key themes and patterns.

Main Results:

• Language barriers and cultural factors (e.g., virginity, fertility, sexual activity) significantly influence decision-making regarding CC prevention.
• Participants generally do not actively seek information and express a need for tailored content.
• Trusted community figures and accessible online/offline channels are preferred for information dissemination; comparisons to origin countries aid understanding.

Conclusions:

• Culturally sensitive materials and targeted outreach are crucial for enhancing informed decision-making in CC prevention.
• Addressing specific barriers faced by Turkish-, Moroccan-, and Syrian-Dutch women can improve participation in screening and vaccination.
• Findings provide guidance for developing effective policies and communication strategies to reduce CC burden in these communities.