Explore Cervical Cancer Prevention Methods among Conservative Muslim American Women in Virginia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Abstract Cervical cancer screening (CC-S) and HPV vaccination (HPV-V) are crucial in reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. The Muslim population is a growing and understudied minority group presenting with a higher rate of late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis and a lower rate of HPV-V than non-Muslims. Our study aimed to explore religious, behavioral, and socio-cultural factors affecting Muslim women's decisions regarding CC-S and HPV-V in Virginia, USA. The study interviewed 10 Virginian Muslim women to collect qualitative data as part of a mixed-method cross-sectional study in August and September of 2021. The results showed that most participants had limited information about CC, CC-S, and HPV-V, with some emerging themes, including cultural aspects, misconceptions, and barriers caused by language issues and the complexity of the US healthcare system. Future studies investigating these barriers are needed to reduce the effect of CC on the Muslim population.