Date of Award

2026-05-22

Degree Name

PhD Nursing

Dissertation Committee

Cynthia D. Connelly, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chairperson; Razel B. Milo, PhD, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, Committee Member; Nicole Martinez, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAANP, Committee Member

Keywords

Cervical cancer, sexual trauma screening, resilience, help-seeking, coping

Abstract

Background: Sexual trauma is a global and national concern impacting many women. Victims of violence experience increased risk of psychological distress including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Although medical providers and organizations recommend abuse screenings for women, routine screening is not the standard of care.

Purpose: To examine relationships and group differences of sexual trauma history using the Two Question Screening Tool (TQST) and the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) among the cervical cancer population. This comparison study seeks to determine whether the use of the TQST captures a higher incidence of sexual trauma history among cervical cancer patients in an academic health care setting and an online cervical cancer awareness and support group.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective, correlational design used in a feasibility study with cervical cancer participants, describes relationships and group differences among sociodemographics, help-seeking experiences, coping, resilience, and sexual trauma screening.

Results: The TQST identified significantly higher sexual trauma prevalence (39.6%) than the AAS (6.3%). Frequent coping strategies included acceptance, self-distraction, and active coping, while denial, behavioral disengagement, and substance use were least utilized. Participants reporting past-year abuse were younger (M = 35.67) and accessed fewer help-seeking resources in the 2 weeks before assessment (M = 0.67), compared to those who did not report recent abuse (M = 3.12, p < .001, large effect size). Those endorsing past-year sexual trauma reported lower use of behavioral disengagement (p = .001) and religion (p < .001), and greater use of denial (M = 7.33). Lifetime trauma was significantly associated with income (p = .015), education (p = .001), and higher engagement with mental health professionals (p = .022). Notably, survivors of lifetime trauma showed a significant preference for digital help-seeking sources (p = .039).

Conclusion: This study advocates for a shift from one-year to lifetime sexual abuse screening to better identify trauma prevalence and deliver comprehensive, trauma-informed care to cervical cancer patients.

Keywords: cervical cancer, sexual trauma screening, resilience, help-seeking, coping

Document Type

Dissertation: Open Access

Department

Nursing

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