Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Abstract

In Latin America, cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer and the fourth most leading cancer of women around the world, with an estimated 342,000 deaths in 2020.1 This systematic review of literature gives insight into Latin Americas barriers to Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) screening and prevention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using google scholar, the WHO, and the CDC. Search terms included: barriers to HPV screening, cervical cancer, Latin America, Central America, Costa Rica, Prevention of HPV, and Human Papillomavirus. Three main barriers to HPV screening and prevention were found including, fear, lack of education, and access to care. In 2020 the World Health Assembly adopted the “Global Strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer,” proposing specific targets that countries must meet by 2030. This strategy includes goals such as having 90% of girls vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by 15 years old, 70% of women screened by 35 years old, and 90% of women with cervical cancer receive treatment.1 More research is needed to help implement screening and vaccination programs in low-income Latin American countries.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2023.Rutten.L

Download

Share

COinS