Evaluating a stage model in predicting Latinas' cervical cancer screening practices: The role of psychosocial and cultural predictors

Introduction. Research shows that Latina immigrants are more likely to die from cervical cancer compared to Caucasian women. Previous qualitative studies offer insight into the barriers that Latinas face in accessing health care, but do not show the extent of their influence. Moreover, mainstream theories/models exploring health behavior have not been examined with Latinas. The goals of the study are to: (1) examine the effectiveness of a stage model in predicting behaviors that prevent cervical cancer related mortality using a quantitative framework, and (2) evaluate the role of psychosocial/cultural factors that influence screening behavior.; Methods. Research was comprised of two phases. In the first phase, measures traditionally used with Caucasian samples were translated and validated. In the second phase, one-on-one structured interviews with one hundred seventy-eight monolingual Spanish-speaking Latinas were conducted.; Results. Data revealed that Latinas in different stages differed on demographic and psychosocial/cultural factors. Controlling for several demographic factors, Latinas who never had a Pap smear were more likely to be younger and not married in comparison to Latinas who received this procedure more frequently (p < .05). Moreover, psychosocial factors (cons, fear of cancer, and processes of change) were negatively associated with stage (p < .05). Furthermore, Latinas who never had a Pap smear reported higher levels of cultural fatalismo, familismo, machismo, and modesty in comparison to those who received Pap smears more frequently.; Discussion. Results indicate that the six-level stage model may not be appropriate for Latinas in predicting cervical cancer screening. Moreover, cultural factors appear to play a large role in whether Latinas get screened. Cons in attaining screening, in part, explained why Latinas higher in cultural values were not attaining Pap smears. Also, as in White populations, fear of finding out that one has cancer, the emotional and financial costs (cons) of attaining cervical cancer screening, and processes of change were related to screening. Findings from the current study will inform intervention researchers in developing culturally appropriate educational and intervention methods for Latinas.