“A Somali girl is Muslim and does not have premarital sex. Is vaccination really necessary?” A qualitative study into the perceptions of Somali women in the Netherlands about the prevention of cervical cancer

• DOI: 10.1186/s12939-015-0198-3
• Publication Date: 2015-08-20T12:26:03Z
• Authors: Jihan Salad; Petra Verdonk; Fijgje de Boer; Tineke A. Abma
• Keywords: Somali

Participation in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and Papanicolaou Screening (Pap smears) is low among ethnic minorities the Netherlands hardly any information available about cervical cancer prevention methods of Somali women living diaspora. This qualitative study, based on Health Belief Model (HBM) an intersectionality-based framework, explores perceptions regarding measures to prevent cancer.Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with young aged 17-21 years (n = 14) mothers 30-46 6). Two natural group discussions 12 14 23-66 years. The collected data has analyzed thematically for content.In this we identified perceived barriers use preventive across three major themes: (1) healthcare; (2) Language, knowledge, negotiating decisions; (3) Sexual standards, culture, religion. Many issues these themes, e.g., distrust Dutch health care system or being embarrassed get Pap smears due Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) having a Dutch, male practitioner; susceptibility HPV because religious norms that prohibit sex before marriage.Current from developing reach perceive kinds preventative as not personally relevant. education strategies deviate ways exchanging within community. Teachers can provide culturally sensitive schools. For mothers, oral (e.g., poetry theater) men's roles transmission may be useful. An intersectional approach, grounded HBM, recommended promote equal access women.