Oral

The reduction in cervical cancer mortality has been attributed to well-organized, population-based prevention and control programs that incorporate screening with the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, and more recently with the use of HPV vaccination. Despite the proven survival benefits, use of the Pap test and the HPV vaccine continue be suboptimal among certain medically underserved female subgroups, especially those who are rural, homeless or incarcerated. In this session, findings from the 1-2-3-Pap intervention will be presented. The 1-2-3 Pap study was designed to improve adherence to HPV vaccination outcomes among high-risk Appalachian women. Findings from three studies that examine screening knowledge, attitudes and practices to improve Pap tests among college-aged women, as well as among women who reside in shelters or who were destined for incarceration will be discussed. Because health disparities result from the complex interplay of numerous personal, social and environmental factors, these studies will address multifaceted approaches that encourage cervical cancer control programs among medically underserved female populations.

Session Objectives: Describe communication strategies for making HPV vaccination more personally relevant to young women; Identify individual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors associated with Papanicolaou (Pap) test; and Discuss strategies to improve screening for cervical cancer among homeless, incarcerated and rural populations