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Abstract #151063

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Isabel Scarinci, PhD, MPH¹, Lisa Bandura, MPH², Andrea Cherrington, MD², Mona N. Fouad, MD MPH², Diane M. Grimley, PhD³, Tina Simpson, MD, MPH⁴, and Sharina Person, PhD⁵. (1) Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Room 609, Birmingham, AL 35294, 205-975-7177, scarinci@uab.edu, (2) Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Room 609, Birmingham, AL 35294, (3) Department of Health Behavior, UAB School of Public Health, RPHB 227, 1530 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, (4) Department of Pediatrics/Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1616 6th Ave South, MTC 201, Birmingham, AL 35233, (5) Division of Preventive Medicine, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave. South, Room 612, Birmingham, AL 35205

The incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among Latinas in the U.S. are much higher than among whites, and these rates are even higher among women in Latin America. In terms of primary prevention, it has been shown that the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important contributing factor for cervical cancer, and that Latinas are five times more likely than white women to display an association between HPV infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions. In terms of secondary prevention, Latinas (particularly Latina immigrants) are less likely to get a pap smear than whites. However, to our knowledge, no studies have focused both on primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among Latina immigrants. Friendship Circles for Health is a theory-based and culturally relevant program with the overall goal of reducing cervical cancer among Latina immigrants via reduction of HPV infection risk and an increase in pap smear rates. This program is being tested through a group randomized trial. This presentation will focus on the development, piloting, and feasibility testing of Friendship Circles for Health (Circulos de Amistad para la Salud). Extensive formative assessments were conducted with the target audience, and feedback was provided to them on the findings. Through a participatory and systematic approach, the target audience assisted in the development of all components of the program. The program uses a combination of sociologic and cognitive behavioral approaches, taking into account the cultural beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of Latina immigrants in the United States.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the steps in the development and implementation of a theory-based and culturally relevant cervical cancer prevention program tailored to Latina immigrants

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Hispanic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Slides (pdf) or Handout
• Multimedia recording