242028 A community-based intervention on cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Vietnamese American Women

Monday, October 31, 2011

Grace X. Ma, PhD , Temple University, Department of Public Health, Center for Asian Health, Philadelphia, PA
Wanzhen Gao, PhD , Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
Yin Tan, MD , Temple University, Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
Carolyn Y. Fang, PhD , Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
Jamil I. Toubbeh, PhD , Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Thoa Tran , Asian Community Health Coalition, Hung Vuong Association, Philadelphia, PA
Background: Vietnamese American women represent the ethnic subgroup at greatest risk for cervical cancer. 75% of cervical cancer is caused by two strains of HPV. Low rates of Pap Smear and HPV tests are major contributors. It has been consistently recommended that interventions be culturally and linguistically sensitive to the target population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically appropriate education intervention in increasing HPV knowledge and willingness for self-collection of vaginal sample at home to HPV testing among Vietnamese Americans. Methods: A group randomized controlled design was used in the study. Vietnamese women (n=1,525) were recruited from 30 Vietnamese community-based organizations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The intervention group received cervical cancer and HPV education. The control group received general health education. Participants completed assessments at pre and post education. Results: Participants of intervention group reported significantly cervical cancer and HPV knowledge increase. After education, the willingness of self collecting a vaginal sample at home to test for HPV is significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. However, the willingness is not high in either group (7.6% vs 4.4%). Conclusion: This study suggested that a culturally and linguistically appropriate workshop can be highly effective in increasing Vietnamese women's knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV. However, promoting self-collection of vaginal sample at home to test for HPV might not be viable among this population.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify contributing factors to cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese American women. 2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to understand what works and what does not work and apply the results of this study to the development of culturally appropriate cervical cancer and HPV intervention strategies among Vietnamese and other Asian American women.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Principal Investigator of the study to be presented.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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