Understanding of cervical cancer and screening among Vietnamese female sex workers in Ho Chi Minh City

Le Thi Ngoc Phuc

6 (1) 2016

Understanding of cervical cancer and screening among Vietnamese female sex workers in Ho Chi Minh City

Author - Affiliation:

Le Thi Ngoc Phuc - University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam

Corresponding author: Le Thi Ngoc Phuc - ngocphuc@hotmail.com

Abstract

Objective and methodology: The objectives of this study are to explore how Vietnamese female sex workers (FSWs) explained about cervical cancer and screening which have profound effects on their attendance in cervical cancer screening. To gain objectives, a qualitative study was designed with in-depth interviews. Total 15 FSWs working in different venues were recruited through a non-government group.
Findings: We found that although FSWs considered themselves to be risk for cervical cancer due to their sexual lives, they still postponed going for cervical cancer screening. Some FSWs in this study believed that cervical cancer was a specific genital infection which resulted from white blood, poor hygiene and multiple sexual partners. Other FSWs believed that cervical cancer comes from God. Based on these beliefs, FSWs thought that the best way to prevent cervical cancer is treating white blood, practicing good hygiene, having safe sex with condoms and limiting sex work. As a result, they postpone going for cervical cancer screening.
Recommendation: The findings suggest that health education about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening for FSWs should be improved not only to increase knowledge but also to rebuild their beliefs and existing knowledge in a creative way. Besides, physician and clients have to understand how the other perceives cancer, its prevention and its treatment. This mutual understanding may create a good foundation for physicians and clients to cooperate in healthcare setting.

Keywords

Belief; Cervical cancer; Cervical Screening; Female sex worker

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