Abstract B023: The impact of the promotoras program on knowledge, attitudes, and cervical cancer screening among Hispanic/Latina women: Rapid review

Abstract

Abstract Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Hispanics/Latinos adults. Within the Hispanic/Latino population, women have higher rates of infection-related cancers, such as cervical cancer, compared to other racial and ethnic minorities. Women who have a poor education, low socioeconomic status, and do not speak English have a greater incidence of cervical cancer. However, promotoras, who are health promoters, have been shown to be an effective public health intervention because they provide education, address barriers, and increase access to preventive care services. This rapid review identified and examined studies from PubMed and Scopus on the impact that promotoras had on Hispanic/Latina women regarding knowledge, attitudes, and cervical cancer screening uptake. Out of the 490 articles that met the search criteria, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Studies included various types of promotora interventions, varied in sample size, design, location, and in length of study. Several studies suggested that promotoras are effective in increasing knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, Pap tests, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Additionally, promotoras are effective in positively changing attitudes, increasing self-efficacy, and perceived benefits of routine Pap test screening. Lastly, the promotoras demonstrate that they can change cancer screening behaviors and address financial and capacity barriers of cervical cancer screening. While most studies reported findings, a few studies showed no change in outcomes or mixed results. Overall, promotoras have a positive impact in overcoming challenges to cervical cancer screening in Hispanic/Latino communities. Citation Format: Christina E. Gareis, Paul Hunter, Amy Leader. The impact of the promotoras program on knowledge, attitudes, and cervical cancer screening among Hispanic/Latina women: Rapid review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B023.