Despite the established efficacy of the Pap test for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer, race-specific mortality rates indicate that African-American women are two times more likely to die from this disease than are Caucasian women. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) has developed and implemented a community-based educational intervention for low-income African American women, with the goal of increasing awareness about cervical cancer, its causes, and the importance of regular screening. Over 100 low-income African American women participated in a six-week series of educational workshops, based on an adult education and empowerment model tailored to this community’s values and information needs. Preliminary data suggest that participants’ knowledge of the causes and prevention of cervical cancer increased as a function of their participation in the workshops. Specifically, women reported greater awareness of the role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the causation of cervical cancer, the timing of when women should first obtain Pap smears, and the recommended frequency of this screening procedure. In conclusion, data indicate that culturally-specific health education interventions may yield changes in knowledge thereby addressing a powerful barrier that influences cervical cancer screening in low-income African American women. See N/A
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
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.