Perception of cervical cancer screening among Immigrant African women residing in Houston, Texas Esther I. Orji M.Ed., University of Lagos, 2002 B. Ed, Abia State University, 1998 A.C. E. University of Benin, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2016 Disparities in cervical cancer screening participation still exist especially among immigrant and minority women compared to non immigrant populations. Research investigators through multiple studies have explored reasons for non participation in cervical cancer screening among immigrant and minority women. However, there was limited research specifically on how immigrant women of African descent could be empowered to overcome barriers associated with cervical cancer screening in Houston Texas. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the perceptions of factors which are barriers to perform cervical cancer screening tests among immigrant women of African descent, as well as their beliefs on preventive medicine, and how immigrant women could be empowered in order to overcome barriers associated with cervical cancer screening. The theoretical framework was based on the health belief model. The participants for the study were 20 immigrant women of African descent aged 21-65. A semi-structured interview schedule which comprised of open ended questions was used to collect data on the perspectives of immigrant women towards cervical cancer screening. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. The social change implications of the study can be that immigrant women could be more encouraged to seek access to the appropriate state of the art in cervical cancer screening which could contribute in reducing mortality, morbidity rate, and costs associated with cervical cancer.