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HPV research paper

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Human Papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease that infects over twenty million Americans each year (Vanslyke, Baum, Plaza, Otero, Wheeler, Helizter, 2008, P. 584). Many of these people do not realize that they are infected because they do not show any symptoms. Even though HPV has been talked about for decades, it is only until recent years that the topic has become part of mainstream women’s health issues. Not only that, many of these people are women who do not understand the importance of testing for HPV. HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer among women. This is especially true for women in the Hispanic community. Hispanics have higher instances of cervical cancer and mortality …show more content…

Others were concerned with the physical discomfort of a pap smear and possible embarrassment from a pelvic exam. Many expressed that they do not want HPV testing without their knowledge. They would feel as if they were being taking advantage of. By these women not wanting to be tested, it makes it hard for physicians to be able to care for them. Physicians would not be able to have a patient-centered communication which would allow the doctor to treat their patients. Lastly, vaccines are another issue for the Hispanic community. Since many of the Hispanic cultures can’t afford healthcare, many of them are worried about the costs associated with getting the vaccine. Some, who have insurance, were worried if the insurance companies would even cover the costs of the vaccination because it’s a new vaccine. Not only that, they were worried that the vaccine would present access barrier for many in the Hispanic community (Luque et al. 2010, P.96). Many of these individuals do not have transportation or the time to make frequent trips to the doctor’s office for multiple rounds for the vaccine shots. The vaccine doesn’t have easy access like the flu shot where patients can get a shot at the local drug store and not have to pay an office visit. Many are bothered that it would encourage young girls to want to have sex at an earlier age (Luque et al. 2010, P. 95). The fear is that once young girls

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