The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43168

Silvia Tejeda¹, Gloria Coronado, PhD¹, Ilda Islas², and Beti Thompson, PhD¹. (1) Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, 206/667-7421, tejedas@u.washington.edu, (2) ¡Para Niños Saludables!, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 500 E. Edison St., Sunnyside, WA 98944

Background: Data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reports that in national surveys 80.9% of Hispanic women compared to 84.7% of White women had a Pap smear within the past three years. Underutilization of screening services is a key factor thought to be related to the higher incidence of cervical cancer among Hispanic women. In-depth interviews with Hispanics in the Yakima Valley, Washington suggested that fewer Hispanics than non-Hispanics had ever received a screening test for cervical cancer. Classroom-based interventions on cervical cancer are thought to be valuable for promoting cervical cancer screening for several reasons. School-based interventions capture women who are eligible to receive their initial screening test. Classroom-based curriculum can provide education to all economic segments of women, particularly those who may underutilize health care systems. Objectives: This study examines adolescents’ knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs related to cervical cancer, and assesses effectiveness of a high school curriculum to increase the likelihood of getting a Pap smear. Methods: A cervical cancer curriculum was presented to female students in the 9th – 12th grade at two high schools in the lower Yakima Valley, Washington. A pre and post-test was administered, containing questions related to knowledge and perceptions related to cervical cancer, screening, and the likelihood of getting a Pap smear. Results: Results will be presented from a predominantly Hispanic adolescent population. Conclusion: Understanding this knowledge may help design future school interventions related to this group. Pre-Post test results will assess curriculum effectiveness among this group of adolescent students.

Learning Objectives:

• • 1. Describe the information, skills, behaviors, or perspectives participants in the session will acquire through attendance and particpation.
  • • Participants in this session will learn about baseline knowledge related to cervical cancer and screening among a predominatly Hispanic group of adolescents.
    • Participants will also learn about the results of a high school curriculum on knowledge, beliefs and likelihood of getting a Pap test.
  • • 2. Clearly identify the outcomes or actions participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of the educational experiences.
    • • Participants will be able to describe the process of educating adolescents in the importance of cervical cancer screening.
      • • 3. Write the learning objectives that relate to these outcomes and that reflect the content of the session.
        • • Identify baseline knowledge, beliefs, and behavior related to cervical cancer and screening among female high school students in the Yakima Valley, Washington.
          • Describe the effect that the cervical cancer curriculum had on predominantly Hispanic female high school students.

Keywords: Hispanic Youth, Cervical Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.