Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109195

Alejandra E. Koval, MA, Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, (336) 713-2033, AlejandraK@ywcaws.org and Kristie F. Foley, PhD, Department of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2000 West First Street, Piedmont Plaza II, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

PURPOSE: 1) to determine the feasibility of conducting a community-based breast and cervical cancer-screening survey among uninsured adult Hispanic women in Winston-Salem, NC and their providers; 2) to understand knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, barriers and practices of Hispanic women and their providers; and, 3) if results determine the need, to design a culturally-appropriate cancer prevention education intervention.

METHODS: Two promotoras were identified and trained to administer a 30-minute structured in-person survey in Spanish. Seventy women in The Ledges apartment complex were recruited using a snowball approach, and community canvassing was performed. Two focus groups were conducted to gain in-depth knowledge of relevant themes, and semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with 5 healthcare providers.

RESULTS: Most (90%) women had ever had a Pap smear, but only 60% had a Pap within the last year and 37% have had 2 within the last 3 years. Mammography screening rates are very low in this population (56% have ever had a mammogram). Factors contributing to low screening rates include: low knowledge of test and screening recommendations, not being married, not having children, poor communication with provider and being seen by different providers. Focus groups revealed poor knowledge about the disease and preventive measures, beliefs and myths that delayed screening, dissatisfaction regarding the Pap smear screening experience, communication barriers with providers, and a lack of follow-up regarding cancer screening test results. Women also expressed great interest in receiving information on breast and cervical cancer screening tests.

LESSONS LEARNED: There is a great need for a culturally-appropriate breast and cervical cancer intervention to improve cancer screening rates and satisfaction with cancer screening among uninsured Latinas.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify the barriers to and patterns of breast and cervical cancer screening practices among uninsured Hispanic women in Forsyth County, NC.

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.