Taking care of yourself: a grounded theory study about how young women make a decision about having a Papanicolau test

• Main Author: Taylor, Heather
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2003
• Subjects: Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6975/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6975/1/Taylor_Heather.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6975/3/Taylor_Heather.pdf

Newfoundland has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in Canada and the western region of Newfoundland has the lowest cervical cancer screening rates. Young women, in particular, have a potential risk for cervical cancer. They initiate sexual intercourse at an early age, have an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases and may not have the knowledge to access cervical cancer screening tests. The effectiveness of the Papanicolau test in reducing morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer is well accepted. The purpose of this study was to use a grounded theory approach to identify and describe the social processes that influence young women in western Newfoundland to make a decision about having a Papanicolau test. Interviews were conducted with 14 women, ages 19-29. Three main categories emerged from the data to show how these young women made decisions about having a Papanicolau test. Acquiring significant information was the first category. Using the information characterized the second category and the third category of 'changing perceptions' showed how young women's decision to incorporate having a Pap test into their regular health routine was reached. The central category that explained the relationship among all the categories was 'taking care of yourself'. -- The implications for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research are included in the study findings.