Honors Theses
Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
BS
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Casey Daniel, Ph. D.
Advisor(s)
Nancy Rice, Ph. D., Stephen Scyphers, Ph.D.
Abstract
Despite the widespread availability of a safe, effective, long-lasting vaccine and valid screening practices for early detection and treatment, Alabama has the fourth highest mortality rate for cervical cancer in the United States. Cities along the Gulf Coast have some of the highest rates in the state of Alabama. A survey was developed for women ages 21-65 years who live in urban areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico to assess their cervical cancer prevention knowledge, practices, and associated factors. The study team hypothesized that we would find low rates of HPV prevention behaviors among women on the Gulf Coast, and that the primary deterrent of cervical cancer prevention behaviors would be related to financial barriers. Thirty-nine surveys were completed by women ages 21-65 at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in the Gulf Coast area. Data from these surveys demonstrated that 40% of women reported having an abnormal Pap test did not seek treatment. There was a statistically significant difference shown in the participants who have received flu shots every year and who have received the HPV vaccination. This may indicate that participants who engage in one prevention health behavior tend to engage in others.
Recommended Citation
Poolos, Sophia, "Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge and Behaviors Among Women Along the Gulf Coast" (2026). Honors Theses. 146.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/146
Included in
Behavioral Medicine Commons, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, Infectious Disease Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Oncology Commons, Other Medical Specialties Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Virus Diseases Commons, Women's Health Commons