Cervical Cancer Prevention in Latina Immigrants “Friendship Circles for Health”

Cervical Cancer Prevention in Latina Immigrants “Friendship Circles for Health” is a 5-year group randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a theory-based culturally relevant intervention focusing on primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among Latina immigrants.

Specific aims

• To conduct a formative evaluation phase to develop a theory-based, culturally relevant intervention to promote primary (sexual risk reduction) and secondary (pap smear) prevention of cervical cancer among Latina immigrants
• To develop the proposed intervention based on the results of Aim 1 as well as our previous extensive qualitative and quantitative assessments in this population
• To implement the developed intervention among 416 Latina immigrants between the ages of 19 and 50
• To evaluate the efficacy of such intervention through a group randomized trial

Primary outcomes

• Compliance with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation for cervical cancer screening, i.e., Pap smear at least every three years (measured through self-report and validated through medical records)
• Increased partner communication regarding sexual behavior as well as self-efficacy (measured through self-report)

Secondary outcome

Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the relationship between the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer.

Methodology

Although the social construction model will be the overall conceptual framework used in the present study, the PEN-3 and Health Belief Model will guide intervention development and implementation. The intervention will combine elements of the sociologic approach (which takes into account cultural beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors) and cognitive-behavioral strategies, and it will be delivered by lay health educators. The intervention group will receive both knowledge and skills training regarding primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer, and the control group will receive education on health topics (e.g., diabetes, health care access, etc.). The study will be carried out in two phases. In Phase I, we will develop and refine the intervention plans and assessment tools through formative assessment. In Phase II, we will recruit participants, gather baseline data, randomize participants to intervention and control groups, implement and evaluate the intervention.

For more information, contact Dr. Isabel Scarinci at (205) 975-7177 or scarinci@uab.edu

Investigators

Principal Investigator:
Isabel C. Scarinci, PhD, MPH

Co-Principal Investigators:
Mona Fouad, MD, MPH
Diane Grimley, PhD

Investigators:
Andrea Cherrington, MD
Tina Simpson, MD
Sharina Person, PhD

Program Manager:
Lisa Bandura, MPH