Factors Affecting Pap Smear Uptake Among Immigrant Women

Although immigrant women constitute a high-risk group for cervical cancer, their participation in screening programs is limited. This study was conducted to determine immigrant women’s Pap smear testing status, their health beliefs, and the specific barriers that hinder screening participation. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 305 immigrant women. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form and the Health Belief Model Scale for cervical cancer and the Pap smear test. It was determined that 79.0% of the participants had never undergone a Pap smear test. The discrepancy between the rate of gynecological examination (29.8%) and the rate of Pap smear testing (21.0%) indicates missed opportunities that could not be addressed within the health care system. Among the most critical factors hindering screening were socioeconomic inadequacies, women’s misconceptions that the procedure could spread an existing cancer within the body, the belief that the test is unnecessary due to the absence of an active sexual life, and distrust toward health care personnel. In addition, women with higher educational levels were found to be more affected by negative attitudes of health care personnel and to have higher perceived barriers. When the sub-dimensions of the Health Belief Model Scale were examined, a positive relationship was identified between the level of knowledge and receiving recommendations from healthcare personnel, and the perceived benefits and susceptibility sub-dimensions (p<0.05). Pap smear screening rates among immigrant women are alarmingly low. This situation is associated not only with a lack of knowledge but also with cultural myths (fear of cancer spread) and systemic communication problems. To increase screening rates, it is recommended to develop “opportunistic screening” strategies that not only provide information but also dispel myths and demonstrate cultural competence.