A CBPR approach for cervical cancer prevention and early detection among Haitian women

Background: In Haiti, cervical cancer is the primary cause of cancer deaths among women. High rates of disease are due, in large part, to a general lack of resources for prevention of disease, untimely follow-up for abnormalities, and limited treatment options. There is also a dearth of low literacy, health education materials, available in Kreyol that convey the importance of prevention and early detection.

Objective: As part of an ongoing CBPR initiative in Thomonde, Haiti, we developed a flipchart to be used by indigenous Community Health Workers (CHWs) to teach women about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection.

Methods: Consistent with the tenets of CBPR, the flipchart reflects the input of community members. Focus groups were held in Thomonde, as well as Miami and Orlando, Florida to pilot test the flipchart on four specific dimensions: Overall Impression; Cultural Acceptability; Ease of Comprehension; and, Linguistic Appropriateness. Revisions were made to the flipchart based on participant feedback.

Results: Focus group data indicated that participants strongly supported the use of this flipchart for cervical health education. Women made specific suggestions for improvement based on their cultural insight and learning preferences.

Conclusion: By inviting community participation in the development of this flipchart, an effective and culturally sensitive visual educational tool was created. When paired with indigenous CHWs, this tool holds promise for increasing women's understanding of cervical cancer, HPV and alternative screening methods such as self-sampling. These methods may be useful in other populations with similarly limited health care and educational resources.