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Rethinking Communication Barriers: Educational Attainment in Cervical Cancer Screening Among American Sign Language
Hiruni Hewapathiranage-Mayadunne1, Erika Bergeron1, Poorna Kushalnagar1
1Center of Deaf Health Excellence, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC 20002, USA.
Summary
Educational attainment significantly impacts cervical cancer screening adherence among Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing (DDBHH) American Sign Language (ASL) users. English proficiency was not a significant factor.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing (DDBHH) American Sign Language (ASL) users face disparities in cervical cancer screening.
- Understanding factors influencing screening adherence is crucial for improving health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between education status and English proficiency with cervical cancer screening adherence among DDBHH ASL users.
- To inform strategies for enhancing screening rates in alignment with Healthy People 2030 targets.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered in ASL and English to DDBHH participants aged 21-65.
- Pearson Chi-squared tests used to analyze associations between demographic factors and screening adherence.
- Statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Main Results:
- 65% of 643 participants reported adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines.
- Higher educational attainment was significantly associated with increased screening adherence (p = 0.008).
- English proficiency did not significantly predict screening adherence (p = 0.267).
Conclusions:
- Educational attainment is a key factor associated with cervical cancer screening adherence in the DDBHH ASL user population.
- Interventions should consider educational level to improve screening rates.
- Further research is needed to optimize screening adherence among this demographic.
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