Exploring the Power of Narrative and its Role in Helping to Create Healthy Communities Free from Cervical Cancer

Background: With early detection and the advent of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, cervical cancer is both a curable and preventable disease. Yet in 2010, cervical cancer took 4,210 lives in the United States. The current research examines whether narratives or stories may be a better way to deliver vital health information than more traditional non-narrative formats. Purpose: Investigate the relative impact of health messages provided in a narrative or non-narrative format on women's knowledge, attitudes, and prevention behaviors concerning the use of the HPV vaccine and Pap test. Methods: A transdisciplinary team at the University of Southern California conducted eight focus groups with English-speaking Hispanic, African American, Korean American, and Caucasian women. Participant responses were video-taped, transcribed and content analysis was conducted to gauge acceptance and identify themes between the narrative (N=4) and non-narrative (N=4) focus groups. Results: Across all groups women reported learning additional information about the prevalence, transmission and prevention of the HPV virus After watching both films attitudes towards the Pap test remained mix. In general, participants responded more positively to the narrative film and expressed a need to learn more about how to keep themselves and their daughters healthy. Discussion: While the narrative appeared to transcend certain cultural boundaries further research is needed to determine whether a failure to identify with fictional characters (such as seen in the Korean focus group) limits the ability of narratives to change relevant knowledge, attitudes and behavior.