Latino male attitudes and behaviors on their spouses' and partners' cancer-screening behavior: focus group findings

Abstract

The following is a report of the first phase of exploratory research growing out of a parent grant on breast and cervical cancer screening among Latinas in Colorado. This paper reports data gathered from 14 focus groups conducted with Latino (Mexican, Mexican-American, and other Hispanic) males to identify their supportive and nonsupportive attitudes and behaviors toward their spouse's breast and cervical cancer screening. The men represent a cross-section of Latino males, yet the findings presented here are strongly suggestive and not representative of Latinos as a whole. Latinos exhibited three distinct modes of knowledge and attitudes toward their partners' health-seeking efforts. The first mode was characterized by limited knowledge, a lack of information, and for some, disinterest or even disdain. Those in the second mode can be considered "generalists" who knew only generalities concerning their wives' health states and practices. The third mode includes Latino males who were genuinely interested in seeking "meaningful ways" to promote their partners' health and well-being. These long-time married couples seemed to have strong relationships highlighted by a genuine concern for each others' well-being, including their health problems. The younger cohorts were generally unconcerned about their spouses' breast and cervical cancer screening and lacked knowledge in the area. As age and educational level increased, so too did the general awareness and knowledge of breast and cervical cancer increase. Most Latinos, however, lacked specific knowledge about screening, the procedures, or the recommended frequency of such examinations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)