Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors and Perceptions of Medical Mistrust among Rural Black and White Women

Background. This study examined the relationship of medical mistrust using the Group-based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS), and Papanicolaou testing behaviors among rural Black and White women.

Methods. Utilizing a convenience sample, a cross-sectional study was performed. Inclusion criteria included self-identification as a non-Hispanic Black or White woman, at least 21 years of age, and a resident of one of the selected counties in the region. Analyses conducted were two-sample t-tests, Fisher's exact tests, Spearman's rho, and logistical regression.

Results. Among 338 women, four GBMMS items had statistically significant outcomes using multiple significance tests; significance remained when adjusting for demographic variables. Analyses indicated that Whites were dissatisfied with the health care system to a greater extent than Blacks.

Conclusions. The impact of medical mistrust should be explored beyond individuals of a racial/ethnic minority group. Future directions include the development of a community-informed screening intervention to foster adherence among diverse rural populations.