Abstract A45: HPV awareness prevents positive infections

Abstract

Abstract Background: Haitian Immigrant women, the largest growing Black ethnic group in Miami, experience the highest rates of cervical cancer and account for one of the largest populations diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Florida. Objective: Using community-based participatory research methods, we examined HPV/cervical cancer knowledge and intervention preferences among HIV positive Haitian women. This data was used to develop and pilot test a culture-specific educational intervention among HIV positive and sexually active HIV negative Haitian women in Miami, Florida. The pilot study was conducted in two phases. Methods: Phase 1: Qualitative, August 2011: Three focus groups with 21 HIV-positive Haitian women living in Miami, Florida were completed in Haitian Kreyol, digitally recorded, and later interpreted and transcribed into English. The first focus group assessed HPV Knowledge; the second session explored HPV considerations specific to HIV positive women, and the third focus group discussed HPV Screening and intervention preferences. Phase 2: Quantitative, July 2012 – Nov 2012: Using feedback from the focus groups, a flip-chart with educational illustrations was developed. Five small group (3-10 participants) HPV/Cervical Cancer education sessions led by a community health worker were conducted with 25 sexually active Haitian women (8 HIV + and 13 HIV –). Surveys assessing HPV/Cervical Cancer knowledge, screening behaviors, and research participation were administered at baseline and 3 months post-study. Results: Three month follow up data was collected on 21 of the 25 women who participated in Phase 2 of the study. Participants' mean age was 52+8yrs, 71% lived in US > 5 years, and 71% were uninsured. At post study, the percent of women answering > 4/6 questions correct increased from 10% to 28% and the number of women who heard of HPV increased from 48% to 81%. All (100%) of participants were willing to participate in a research study. Conclusions: An intensive one time small group educational intervention was associated with small improvements in cervical cancer / HPV knowledge at 3 months. Our findings show strong support for increased clinical research targeting low SES Haitian women. Citation Format: Sonjia Kenya, Marie Fatil, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Erin Kobetz, Olveen Carrasquillo. HPV awareness prevents positive infections. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A45. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A45