Use of preventive maternal and child health services by Latina women

Latina women and their young children use fewer preventive health services and have a higher prevalence of preventable diseases than non-Hispanic Whites. Systematic research is needed to guide evidence-based interventions promoting their use of preventive care. We report the results of a systematic literature review on this topic, and extend study results by providing a list of standard indicators that can be used to translate research into practice. We drew on methods described in the AHRQ report, "Systems to Rate the Strength of Scientific Evidence". Search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to identify original intervention studies designed to increase use of cervical cancer screening, prenatal care, and child immunizations by Latina women in their reproductive years. 36 studies met study criteria. For each article, standard data were extracted, and the strength of evidence was assessed. Successful strategies were reported for (1) clinic settings, (2) community outreach using promotoras and media, and (3) a combination approach using both clinic-based and outreach services. Successful strategies included use of professional interpreters, offering preventive care at any visit, updating personal information at each visit, using educational videos in waiting rooms, appointment reminders, and community media campaigns. The fact that only 36 studies met study criteria suggests a need for further systematic research. Future studies should include factorial designs, and negative results should be reported. Based on the review, we propose a standard list of process and outcome indicators to guide the design and monitoring of future interventions.