Hispanic women have twice the cervical cancer incidence rate of non-Hispanic White women. Despite higher disease risk, Hispanic women consistently show lower cervical cancer screening rates than non-Hispanic Whites. To counter this trend, En Accion is a theory-based communication and education project designed to increase cancer awareness and screening among diverse Latina populations. The NCI-funded program conducted baseline and follow-up surveys (N=442-628/city/time point) in 1993-94 and 1996-97 to assess cervical cancer screening levels among women in 6 major U.S. cities. The En Accion program, combining mass media and community distribution of print materials, was carried out in 5 of the 6 research sites. Each was selected based on its concentration of the 4 major Hispanic groups: Central Americans in San Francisco, California; Cubans in Miami, Florida; Mexican Americans in Brownsville, and San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California; and Puerto Ricans in Brooklyn, New York. Implementation evaluation revealed that project components were not fully realized in some cities and there was not a significant overall effect on screening levels. In a multi-site study, lack of an overall effect may arise from site-to-site differences in implementation and in the degree to which messages reach their intended audiences. The increase in screening behavior in the 6 project cities was strongly associated with the level of population exposure to En Accion television productions. In the 4 cities where projects were fully implemented, En Accion may have stimulated over 20,000 Latinas to obtain cervical cancer screening. A cost savings estimate is also presented.
Learning Objectives: To identify and describe process effects of a community based communication campaign to increase cervical cancer screening rates among underserved Hispanic women
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Community Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Hispanic Leadership Initiative on Cancer, National Cancer Institute, Baylor College of Medicine
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.