Vietnamese is the fastest-growing Asian/Pacific Islander ethnic group in the U.S. Population projections indicate that by the year 2030 there will be 3.9 million Vietnamese in the U.S. Vietnamese American women have the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer in U.S., a rate 5 times higher than white women. To address this problem, we're conducting a 5-year controlled trial designed to increase cervical cancer screening rates among Vietnamese women age18 and older in Santa Clara County, California. With extensive community input, we've designed and developed a Community Action Plan comprised of 6 intervention components targeting patients, providers, and the health care delivery system. In October of 2000, we conducted pre-intervention telephone surveys of 1,566 randomly selected Vietnamese women in the intervention area of Santa Clara County, California and in the control area of Houston, Texas. Preliminary analysis of the data reveals that, while 89.7% have heard of cervical cancer, 26.8% have never heard of Pap tests, and 25.1% have never had even one Pap test. Among those who have had a prior Pap test, 80% had it within last year, and 87.3% are planning to have the Pap test in the next year. But among those who have not had prior Pap tests, only 37.7% have thought about having a Pap test and only 75% of them are planning to have the Pap test in next year. Thus, there is much work to be done to promote cervical screening for early detection of cervical dysplasia and cancer among Vietnamese women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1) understand that Vietnamese American women have a cervical cancer rate 5 times higher than their white counterparts; 2) understand recognition of, receipt of and intentions regarding cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese American women.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.