Abstract B091: Across border: Towards increasing Pap testing and HPVV knowledge and acceptability among minority populations

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The Pap test and human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV) have the potential to eradicate cervical cancer globally, but implementation continues to prove challenging among minority populations in the United States, especially immigrants and Blacks. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a regional intervention trial designed to increase Pap testing and HPVV knowledge and acceptability. Methods: The study was conducted in collaboration with community partners to enhance cultural and linguistic relevance. The intervention employed social marketing strategy using electronic (public service announcements via local TV and radio) and print media (local, ethnic newspaper and circulars) for broad, cost effective dissemination of HPVV and Pap testing information and resources. Regions were assigned to one of two intervention conditions: 1) direct mailing of printed materials with Pap test and HPVV resources and 2) direct mailing only. Women 18-70 years old were included and completed the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to measure changes in Pap test uptake and HPVV knowledge and acceptability from baseline to post-intervention. Results: Analyses included 322 women who had baseline and post-assessment data: African Americans (n=97), Latina English-language preferred (n= 39), Latina Spanish-language preferred (n=129), and Trinidadians (n=57). Results showed statistically significant differences in improved HPV knowledge for African Americans (p = .019), Latina Spanish (p=.009), and Trinidadians (p=.034), but not Latina English-language preferred participants. Changes in acceptability of HPV vaccine were also significant across all groups except Trinidadians. Pap testing also showed significant increases. At preintervention, 21% of women reported not having a Pap test in the past 2 years. Post-intervention results showed Pap test completion increased by 10% in the mailed intervention group and 23% in the mailed plus social marketing group. Conclusion: The results suggest utility and efficacy for the trial as both the mail-only and the mail-plus-social-marketing groups improved. However, compared to the mail condition only, mail plus social marketing seemed more likely to be effective for improving Pap testing. Our findings show multilevel contextual factors (including culture, country of origin, SES, and immigration) influenced Pap testing and HPVV acceptability. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Camille Ragin, Ndifreke Etim, Francisca Rivera. Across border: Towards increasing Pap testing and HPVV knowledge and acceptability among minority populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B091.