Abstract
BackgroundDisparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality signify the need for intervention efforts targeting Korean American immigrant women.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a culturally targeted and tailored mobile text messaging intervention, mobile screening (mScreening), was developed to promote the uptake of Papanicolaou tests and human papillomavirus vaccine among young Korean American immigrant women.MethodsGuided by the Fogg behavior model, the mScreening intervention was developed through a series of focus groups. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to identify core themes.ResultsOverall, 4 themes were identified: (1) tailored message content (ie, basic knowledge about cervical cancer), (2) an interactive and visual message format (ie, age-appropriate and friendly messages using emoticons), (3) brief message delivery formats to promote participant engagement, and (4) use of an incentive to motivate participation (ie, gift cards).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the processes of gathering culturally relevant information to develop a mobile phone text messaging intervention and incorporating the target population’s perspectives into the development of the intervention. The findings of the study could help guide future intervention development targeting different types of cancer screening in other underserved racial or ethnic groups.
Highlights
Background cervical cancer has become a largely preventable disease with recent reductions in cervical cancer mortality in the United States [1], it still remains a major concern in the field of women’s health
There is lower overall cervical cancer incidence and mortality across the aggregate Asian American group when compared with other ethnic or racial groups [3], certain Asian subgroups report some of the highest rates of cervical cancer across all ethnic or racial groups
One potential reason behind the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer faced by Korean American immigrant women might be the low uptake of both the Pap tests and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
Summary
Background cervical cancer has become a largely preventable disease with recent reductions in cervical cancer mortality in the United States [1], it still remains a major concern in the field of women’s health. In accordance with that disparity, Korean American immigrant women have consistently demonstrated a much lower likelihood of being up to date with recommended Pap tests than non-Latina white women [7,8]. A previous study in California reported that 35% of Korean American immigrant women aged 18 to 65 years have not received a Pap test within the past 3 years [9]. Disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality signify the need for intervention efforts targeting Korean American immigrant women. Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a culturally targeted and tailored mobile text messaging intervention, mobile screening (mScreening), was developed to promote the uptake of Papanicolaou tests and human papillomavirus vaccine among young Korean American immigrant women. The findings of the study could help guide future intervention development targeting different types of cancer screening in other underserved racial or ethnic groups
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