Knowledge of Cancer Prevention and Screening in an Underserved Group of Hispanic Women: The Effects of a Culturally-Sensitive Educational Presentation

Methods: A prospective study was initiated between November, 2005 and March, 2006. Total of 180 volunteers, recruited from community outreach centers, participated in a culturally-sensitive presentation with pre- and post-surveys, which were developed and adapted to this population. Matched t-tests were used to analyze the impact of the presentation on baseline knowledge and a multivariate analysis was used to determine which factors affected learning. Results: The positive impact of this intervention was reflected in the following: (1) significant overall improvement in the knowledge of symptoms associated with cancer (1.85 baseline v. 3.67 post-intervention, p<.001), and in the knowledge of risk-reducing behaviors (2.71 v. 4.81, p<.001); (2) very high rate of perceived value (93% “learned a lot about cancer and its prevention”); and (3) the effect on planned behavior (89% planned to follow screening guidelines). Women with higher household incomes and women younger than 50 years of age learned more from the presentation. Major barriers to obtaining cancer screening services in this population were financial limitations and lack of knowledge. Conclusions: This intervention was effective in improving the baseline knowledge of cancer prevention and screening practices. Financial limitations and lack of knowledge are major barriers. Programs aimed at reduction in cancer incidence and mortality in underserved Hispanic women must recognize the importance of developing culturally-sensitive educational tools and facilitating access to screening tests.