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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Tram Lam, BS, Stephen SJ McPhee, MD, Thoa Nguyen, Tung T. Nguyen, MD, Hiep Doan, MD, Jeremiah Mock, MSc, PhD, and Ky Q. Lai, MD, MPH. Vietnamese Community Health Promotion Project, University of California, San Francisco, 44 Page Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102
Background: Vietnamese-American women have cervical cancer incidence rates that are 5 times that of white women in the U.S. population, yet cervical screening (Pap test) rates are well below national guidelines.
Methods: We worked with a coalition of Vietnamese-American community-based organizations (CBOs) in Santa Clara County, California to design and implement a Lay Health Worker (LHW) intervention program for Vietnamese-American women. Over 4 years, we are recruiting 5 CBOs to train 50 LHWs who will, in turn, teach 1000 women about cervical cancer and Pap tests. The program trains LHWs about research, recruitment etiquette, outreach strategies, and how to teach other women about cervical cancer and Pap tests. The first CBO recruited 10 LHWs who, in turn, recruited 200 women from their social networks. Participating women were randomized into intervention and control (delayed intervention) groups. LHWs organized small discussion groups and used culturally tailored materials to raise participants’ awareness about Pap tests and cervical cancer. All participants filled out pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.
Results: Analysis of Year 1 suggests that women who participated in the small groups became more aware of cervical cancer and Pap tests. Participants also planned, scheduled, and obtained Pap tests. Additionally, the program produced a multiplier effect: LHWs and participants told family members, neighbors, and co-workers about cervical cancer and Pap tests.
Conclusion: Lay health workers possess cultural knowledge, sensitivity, and social networks to reach underserved women in their communities. Researchers can work with in partnership with community-based organizations to develop effective lay health worker interventions.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.