Cervical Cancer Screening Beliefs and Practices Among Black Immigrant Women From Africa and the Caribbean Living in Massachusetts.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the cervical cancer screening beliefs and practices of Black immigrant women from sub-Saharan African or Caribbean countries living in Massachusetts.

SAMPLE & SETTING: 19 women who self-identified as being sub-Saharan African or Caribbean, spoke English, were foreign-born, were aged 25-65 years, and had been living in the United States for at least six months were included.

METHODS & VARIABLES: A qualitative descriptive design and thematic analysis were used. A semistructured interview guide was developed based on the PEN-3 cultural model.

RESULTS

Facilitators of cervical cancer screening included a sense of personal responsibility to maintain one's health, cultivating trust within the healthcare system, and cultivating community support. Barriers included pain and fear, navigating a new identity as a Black immigrant, a lack of formal education on sexual health, and challenges accessing the healthcare system.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Culturally tailored resources and community partnerships may be useful in promoting cervical cancer screening in Black immigrant women.