Work

Perceived Risk of Cervical Cancer in Appalachian Women

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine perceptions of cervical cancer risk in elevated-risk Appalachians. METHODS: Appalachian women (n=571) completed interviews examining self-regulation model factors relevant to perceived risk of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Women with good/very good knowledge of cervical cancer, greater worry, and history of sexually transmitted infection had higher odds of rating their perceived risk as somewhat/much higher than did other women. Former smokers, compared to never smokers, had lower risk perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Self-regulation model factors are important to understanding perceptions of cervical cancer risk in underserved women. The relationship of smoking and worry to perceived risk may be a target for intervention.

Source: American Journal of Health Behavior

DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.36.6.11

Authors: Kimberly M. Kelly, Amy K. Ferketich, Mack T. Ruffin IV, Cathy Tatum, Electra D. Paskett

Institutions: West Virginia University, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Women's cancer prevention and management

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities