Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern for Indigenous women in the U.S. This study explores the influence of spiritual/religious beliefs and practices on Indigenous women’s engagement with cervical cancer prevention and screening. Contributing to the fields of Indigenous health, cancer disparities, and spirituality/religion, this research aims to enhance our understanding of culturally appropriate, holistic cervical cancer prevention and intervention strategies. In collaboration with a Northern Plains tribe in the U.S., this study followed a community-based participatory research approach and conducted seven focus groups with 88 Indigenous women in 2024. A grounded theory was used for qualitative analyses. Our findings reveal key barriers to cervical cancer screening, such as poverty, lack of knowledge about cervical cancer, lack of health insurance, shame and stigma, transportation, discrimination, and competing priorities. A large proportion of participants identified spirituality as a fundamental foundation of resilience and self-care. Participants shared various spiritual/religious practices, such as sweat lodges, ceremonies, chanting, prayers, and consultations with medicine people. While some viewed these practices as potential barriers to utilizing Western biomedical healthcare, which might delay early screening and treatment, others saw them as complementary to Western medical healthcare. Although the study is limited to specific Indigenous communities, these findings highlight the need for culturally tailored health initiatives that integrate Indigenous spiritual/religious beliefs and Native healing practices to cervical care interventions. Further research on the intersections of spirituality, Indigenous holistic wellness, and biomedical health is warranted to potentially reduce cancer-related health disparities and improve overall health among Indigenous populations.
Presenters
Soonhee RohProfessor, Social Work, University of South Dakota, South Dakota, United States Yeon-Shim Lee
Professor, Social Work, San Francisco State University , California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Spirituality/Religion, Cervical cancer screening, Health preventions and Indigenous wellness
