Health Promotion Through Representational Advocacy: Perceptions of Cervical Cancer and Screening Among Low-Income Hispanic Women on the U.S. Mexico Border
Abstract
Health advocacy is a key component of health promotion. In this paper, the definition of representational advocacy is expanded and an example is presented describing how research into specific health behaviors (cervical cancer screening) can facilitate health equity among Hispanic women on the U.S./Mexico border. This study assessed perceptions about cervical cancer and Pap screening and determined demographic and health characteristics associated with prior pap screening. It also examined associations between variables related to the Health Belief Model (perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and barriers) and prior pap testing. The model provides a useful framework from which to understand and address perceptions regarding benefits of and barriers to cervical cancer screening in order to promote health equity among the priority population.
