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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Rosemary E. Hoban, RN, MPH, Community Resources for Independent Living, 439 'A' Street, Hayward, CA 27702, hobanny@yahoo.com, hobanny@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) developed the Healthy Women Project to increase screening for breast and cervical cancer among women with physical disabilities aged 40 or older. These women are less likely to get cancer screenings than women without disabilities.

CRIL recruited 46 participants using mailing lists from local Paratransit organizations, newspaper advertisements, Paratransit advertisements and cold calling. CRIL created a guide to disability-accessible women's health providers offering screenings. Participants took pre- and post-tests and received one of three interventions: an educational workshop, telephone peer counseling or mailed information. The interventions took place between September 2004 - March 2005.

Participating women were eager to obtain cancer screenings and many did so once equipped with information about accessible providers. Every group sought out more breast and cervical cancer screenings. Every group reported improved attitudes and increased knowledge of screening issues. Participants responded better to more interactive interventions. Participants in each group communicated that use of the provider guide was integral in successfully obtaining screening. CRIL also found effective ways to contact women with disabilities who are dispersed throughout the community.

Women with disabilities want cancer screenings but are hindered by physical and informational barriers. They readily seek screening when equipped with tools to find appropriate providers and once they understand the importance of cancer screening. Attitudes towards screening improve with education. Group education is slightly more effective in convincing women to seek out screenings than individual peer counseling and both are more effective than simple mailing.

Learning Objectives:

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Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Disability

Related Web page: www.cril-online.org/whatWeDo/ourServices/healthyWomen/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation