Pamela Mitchell, MPH¹, Tracy Marie Hilliard, MPH², and Deborah J. Bowen, PhD². (1) Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Washington State Department of Public Health, PO Box 47855, Olympia, WA 98504-7855, (2) Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Research Center, M3-B232, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 667-7699, tmhill@u.washington.edu

African American women continue to face health disparities. Various approaches have been explored in an effort to reduce these disparities. Literature suggests that generally, people are most likely to receive medical information from trusted sources and in trusted environments. In the African American community, beauty salons are possible candidates for a health promotion and education site, due to their significant social and cultural roles. We randomly sampled licensed beauty salon proprietors (n=29) and their clients (n=111) in Seattle WA for this needs assessment. Ninety three percent of beauty salon proprietors indicated an interest in allowing their beauty salon to participate in a project promoting African American women’s health. All proprietors indicated that they would consider allowing their salon to help African American women obtain health information. The overwhelming majority of women report their physician (94.6%) as the person they talk to most about health information. Both mother and physician assistant were most frequently used by younger women to obtain health information. Women reported using magazines most often (73%) for health information. Younger women reported using the Internet more often to obtain health information. Less educated women reported using television more often to obtain health information, while more educated women reported use of the Internet. Greatest interest was expressed for breast cancer screening education (91%) and cervical cancer screening (78.4%). In addition women reported a high level of interest in exercise, nutrition, and diabetes health issues (95% each). Our study can guide plans for future health education interventions in African American beauty salons.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify levels of interest in health promotion activities of African American beauty salon proprietors and clients
• Discuss types of interventions acceptable to beauty salon clients
• Construct intervention opportunities for proprietors and clients of African American beauty salons

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
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.