Impact of a student-led community education program to promote Pap test screening among Asian-American women

Abstract

Introduction: Among ethnic groups, Asian-American women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer, low cervical cancer screening rates, and are more likely to state they have "never thought about" and/or "do not need" Pap testing. Through a Patient Advocacy grant awarded by the American Society of Cytopathology Foundation, we developed a culturally sensitive educational outreach program to encourage Pap screening among Asian-Americans in our community.

Materials and methods: Educational materials, translated into three languages, were shared at nine community events by undergraduate and medical student volunteers. Pre- and post-education surveys on awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards screening were administered. Results were tallied and reported as raw percentages.

Results: A total of 328 surveys were completed; 80% were Asian respondents. Twenty percent of respondents were not up to date (NUTD) with Pap screening. Knowledge of Pap tests reported as "excellent"/"good" rose from 46% before to 85% after education. Those reporting "very likely"/"likely" to schedule a Pap test increased from 72% to 92% in the NUTD group and from 84% to 97% in the 21-29 age group. Those reporting "very likely"/"likely" to recommend a Pap test to others increased from 68% to 98% in the NUTD group and 77% to 97% in those aged 21-29.

Conclusions: A student-led community-based culturally sensitive outreach approach improved Pap test knowledge and awareness among Asian-Americans. The largest increase in likelihood to obtain a Pap test and recommend the test to others was the NUTD and 21-29 age groups, suggesting influence on those in need of screening.

Keywords: Asian Americans; Cervical cancer screening; Health disparities; Health education; Pap testing.