 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Ann L. Coker, PhD1, Kathryn J. Luchok, PhD2, Irene Prabhu Das, MPH3, Jill M. Abbott, MPH2, and Conrad Otterness, MPH3. (1) School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Herman Pressler, PO Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, 713-500-9955, acoker@sph.uth.tmc.edu, (2) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 800 Sumter Street HESC 216, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Division of Cancer Prevention & Control, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, PO Box 101106, Columbia, SC 29211
Pap smear screening is an effective means to reduce cervical cancer incidence rates through early detection and subsequent treatment. However, its success is dependent on women promptly following up on abnormal test results. We will present an overview of a qualitative study investigating why, from the perspective of women and their health care providers, some women with abnormal Pap smears do not obtain follow-up care in a timely manner. Subjects are participants in the South Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs (SC-BCCEDP). In this panel, researchers from our team will review the relevant literature summarizing reasons for lack of follow-up and interventions implemented and present a theoretical model to describe factors (client, provider, and system / environmental) that may influence decisions to obtain follow-up care. The conceptual model describes three domains of barriers to follow-up: a) Client / Personal: knowledge / educational (lack of knowledge of diagnostic and treatment procedures), attitudinal (beliefs and perceptions related to early detection, abnormality, perceived risk), psychological (emotional distress, fear of cancer, concerns about sexual functioning and femininity, depression), logistics (transportation, sick leave, child care, cost), and religious barriers (belief in God’s will, no need for medical care); b) Provider: cultural competency, effective communication skills, time, concern; and, c) System / Environment: inadequate resources and availability. The panel will also include findings from interviews with SC-BCCEDP health service providers and staff and patients to identify their perceptions of why some women do not receive follow-up care.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.