Demographic predictors of cervical cancer screening in Chinese women in New Zealand
Gao, W.; Paterson, J.; DeSouza, R.; Lu, T.
New Zealand Medical Journal 121(1277): 8-17
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1175-8716 PMID: 18677326 Document Number: 615441
This pilot study examined the cervical cancer screening practices of Chinese women living in Auckland and the association with social demographic factors. A community-based survey was conducted and 234 questionnaires were administrated to ascertain the uptake of cervical screening. Participants were asked whether they had ever been screened in New Zealand and whether it had occurred in the previous 3 years. One hundred and fifty-two (65.0%; 95% CI: 58.5-71.1) respondents reported having been screened in New Zealand and 56.0% (95% CI: 49.4-62.4) reported they were screened in the last 3 years. Factors independently associated with cervical cancer screening practice included age and duration of residence in New Zealand. The most frequently cited reason for never having had a smear test was that "thought it is unnecessary" (39%), followed by "don't know where to go" (36.6%). The uptake of cervical cancer screening is lower among women migrants from Mainland China living in New Zealand than that of the national New Zealand average. In addition, it is lower than that of Chinese women living in North America. The study highlights the information needs of new immigrants and older or younger women.