Name:

Title: Module 2 – Case Planning Health Promotion Programs: Needs Assessment

Course:

Date: 15th August 2013

Module 2 – Case Planning Health Promotion Programs: Needs Assessment

What is the rationale and importance of the study?

This study was conducted after medics realized that the cases of cervical cancer were higher among Canadian women of Chinese origin compared to native Canadian women. The aim of the study was to create an understanding and highlight why Canadian women of Chinese origin are less regular visitors for PAP tests.

Main point of interest is to find out why women of Chinese origin not only living in Canada but also British Colombia had low turn outs for Pap tests.

What steps of the Precede-Proceed model are used as theoretical background for this study?

Factors that predispose, enable and reinforce that are common after a Pap test were examined from women of Chinese origin who lived in British Colombia. The samples from a Pap test 2 years ago from the study were used for comparison.

The study conducted in British Columbia is a basis for comparison, to help the researchers have a deeper understanding and connection.

How was the data collected?

Data was collected through interviews where questionnaires were filled by Canadian women with Chinese origin from age 20 to 79 years. The questions in the questionnaire were formulated from the PRECEDE-PROCEDE model that had been conducted earlier.

The questionnaires were reviewed by specialists who checked for all ambiguity in the answers. Clarity of answers was key in creating a basis to understand and conclude the study.

What were the factors associated with screening?

There were several factors that were associated with screening; Sociodemographic factors. These include social status factors, whether the Lady is single or married also if she was fluent in English.

Another factor was Predisposal; this is in relation to the lady’s beliefs regarding screening and prevention of cervical cancer.

Enabling factors was also a factor of consideration. These include issues of insurance and accessibility to health care facilities. How accessible are health centers for these women.

Finally, the reinforcing factors; these are factors that push the lady to have a pap test for example being advised to have on by her physician.

These factors constitute of issues that the average woman encounters, from marriage to age. They form a general rationale which can be used to construct a questionnaire.

What were the Implications for further research?

It was clear that there were distinct factors which caused Canadian women of Chinese origin not to have a pap test thus leaving unaware. Women who were less educated and single were deemed ignorant on issues of cervical cancer and having a pap test. Also, old women who were still practicing Chinese cultures in Canada did not have the Pap test nor had low turn outs for the test.

While following culture and taking herbs to balance yin and yang, most Chinese women were misled and herbs could not serve various purposes. Further research should be based on convincing these women to visit clinics and have regular tests for cervical cancer and other types of cancer. The study should be used to create public awareness and sensitization on the need of such tests in prevention and early detection of cancer.

In conclusion

The study revealed that it is true most women living in Canada with a Chinese origin pay less attention to testing for cervical cancer.

Reference

Hislop T.G., Deschamps M., Teh C., Jackson C. (2003). Facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among Chinese Canadian women. Canadian Journal Of Public Health. 94(1) 68-73