Asian Nursing Research
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 82-91, June 2008

An Exploration of Hmong Women's Perspectives on Cancer

  • Mary Jo Baisch, PhD, RN

      Affiliations

    • Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing Institute for Urban Health Partnerships, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Mary Jo Baisch, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
    • ,
  • Pang C. Vang, MEd, RN

      Affiliations

    • Program Manager, Well Woman Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing Institute for Urban Health Partnerships, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
    • ,
  • Beth R. Peterman, MS, RN, APNP-BC

      Affiliations

    • Director, House of Peace Community Nursing Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing Institute for Urban Health Partnerships, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Received 22 February 2008; received in revised form 22 February 2008; accepted 20 May 2008.

Article Outline

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of Hmong women on cancer, using focus groups as the research method.

Methods

Two focus group interviews were conducted and the narrative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Themes that emerged from the focus group discussions included “fatalistic and ‘black and white’ thinking”, “valuing rumors rather than scientific information”, “strong adherence to traditional medicine”, “male leaders controlling health care decisions”, “embarrassment discussing women's bodies”, and “preferred strategies in addressing cancer”.

Conclusion

Many Hmong people in the United States believe that both traditional and Western health care practices are effective, but when health professionals do not address differences in language, communication, and beliefs about health, trust between the provider and client may erode. The findings of this study provide new insight into the importance of cultural accommodation to improve early cancer detection in the Hmong community.

Key Words:  acculturation , focus groups , preventive health services , qualitative research , traditional medicine

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PII: S1976-1317(08)60032-8

doi:10.1016/S1976-1317(08)60032-8

Asian Nursing Research
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Pages 82-91, June 2008

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