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Cervical cancer prevention knowledge and screening behaviors among medically underserved women living with HIV
Methods: We recruited 145 HIV-positive women (90% Black) from urban and rural Ryan White-funded clinics and community-based AIDS-service organizations located in the southeastern United States. This two-phased, explanatory design, mixed-methods study examined cervical cancer prevention knowledge and screening behaviors using an interviewer-administered online survey. Follow-up interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to clarify and expand needs assessment data from the survey.
Results: Only about half (48%) knew that HIV infection increased cervical cancer risk. Knowledge about HPV infection acquisition (28%), prevention (46%), and link to cervical cancer (48%) were also low. Only 58% reported having a Pap test within the past year. Traditional (individual/group sessions) and mHealth (text message, email, social media) delivery formats were recommended for a future cervical cancer prevention education program.
Conclusions: Cervical cancer is preventable when precancerous lesions are detected and treated early in the disease process. Health system failures along the cancer care/control continuum exacerbate cervical cancer health disparities. Cancer prevention and control efforts are needed to improve cervical health outcomes among HIV-positive women. Peer networks may be the best approach to using cost-effective mHealth tools to disseminate cancer prevention health information.
Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programsPublic health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe cervical cancer knowledge and screening behaviors of HIV-positive women.
Describe HIV-positive women’s needs and preferences for a cervical cancer prevention education program.
Keyword(s): Cancer Prevention, Cancer Screening
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-principal investigator and project leader of two pilot studies focused on cervical cancer prevention and control among women living with HIV.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
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.