Abstract 1918: Reducing human papillomavirus associated cancers and disparities among Hispanics/Latinos through the adapted NCI NON CHE (National Outreach Network Community Health Education) program

Abstract

Abstract While HPV vaccination has dramatically reduced HPV-related cancer incidences in certain demographic groups, it continues to disproportionately affect Hispanics/Latinos. The NON CHE program at (USC), (NCCC), aims to understand the gaps in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccination uptake, cervical cancer screenings, and addresses the barriers to participating in clinical trials (CT) by conducting culturally-sensitive educational workshops to the community. Methods: Materials such as a PowerPoint presentation and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (HPV) infographics were adapted by the NCI to ensure the message can influence the target audience. Educational workshops were conducted via Zoom. Recruitment of participants were facilitated by partnering with community organizations across Los Angeles County (LAC) which is NCCC’s catchment area. The effectiveness of the workshops was assessed by delivery of pre and post surveys that captured demographics and a series of true and false questions that measured HPV knowledge. 3- and 6-month follow-up surveys are distributed among participants of those of age 18 - 26 and to parents of children 9 - 18 years of age to assess vaccination intake. Results: A total of 1,515 people have been reached during educational workshops, health fairs, and outreach events from October 2021 to September 2022. Our results demonstrate that the 236 participants, (55.6%) Spanish-speaking and (26.9%) English-speaking had not heard of HPV indicating the sparse availability and accessibility of information contributing to parents’ unfamiliarity of the HPV vaccine (79.5%) between the two groups. However, there was a positive distribution of likely to get vaccine (72.88%) and likely to vaccinate their children (47.88%.) Their lack of awareness stemmed from lack of provider motivation (44.2%) and limited health education (39.5%.) Conclusion: Conducting culturally tailored educational workshops to disseminate information on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has helped Hispanics/Latinos understand what HPV is and reduce the stigma. Effective dissemination of HPV education requires it to be inclusive, concise, and engaging to motivate community members to seek preventive care. Citation Format: Alejandra Ramos, Carolina Aristizabal, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati. Reducing human papillomavirus associated cancers and disparities among Hispanics/Latinos through the adapted NCI NON CHE (National Outreach Network Community Health Education) program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1918.