The influence of cultural adaptation and sexual risk behaviors on cervical cytology in a Hispanic population

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the level of cultural adaptation (acculturation) of Hispanic women is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors and cervical cytological abnormalities. STUDY DESIGN: Hispanic women 18-55 years of age (mean, 30.5 ± 8.32 years) underwent routine Papanicoulaou testing and completed a comprehensive survey (n = 3149). Acculturation (cultural adaptation) was measured using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Structural equation modeling was used to test a mediation model. RESULTS: Highly acculturated women engaged in a greater number of sexual risk behaviors and were more likely to have an abnormal Papanicoulaou test when compared to less acculturated Hispanic women (P< .001). CONCLUSION: Acculturation is related to sexual risk taking and abnormal cervical cytology. Determination of acculturation level as part of culturally competent health care will aid in tailoring patient communication and counseling on the prevention of cervical cancer among Hispanic women.