Health Education & Behavior

Utilizing a Multidimensional Health Literacy Framework to Assess Cervical Cancer Screening Nonadherence

Health literacy is an amenable factor that can improve screening uptake. However, associations between the multidimensional health literacy domains and cervical cancer screening nonadherence are not known and should be considered to improve screening rates. The current quantitative study assessed the associations of multiple health literacy domains with cervical cancer screening nonadherence. Women aged 30 to 65 years without a hysterectomy were surveyed online ( N = 812). Assessing, understanding, and appraising measures from the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire were adapted for cervical cancer screening. The outcome variable measured the application of cervical cancer information regarding adherence to the 2012 cervical cancer screening guidelines (yes/no). Adjusted logistic regression odds ratios (aORs) estimated nonadherence. Most of the women were non-Hispanic (81.4%) or White (68.1%), and aged 30 to 39 years (40%). The majority of the women (71%) were adherent to screening recommendations. The model with all domains of health literacy had the best model fit statistics compared with other models with different health literacy components. Older age and lack of insurance were statistically significant for screening nonadherence. Difficulty understanding health information (aOR = 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.80, 5.51]) and less worry about cervical cancer (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI [1.03, 2.94]) were associated with higher odds of nonadherence. Higher cervical cancer knowledge (aOR = 0.93; 95% CI [0.87, 0.98]) and Hispanic ethnicity (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.21, 0.61)] were associated with lower odds of nonadherence. Incorporating a multidimensional health literacy framework may better inform the need to develop easily understood interventions that address cervical cancer perceived vulnerability and acknowledge systemic sociodemographic influences on screening perceptions.

Bayo Lapawol (Let Their Voices Be Heard): Haitian Women’s Barriers to and Facilitators of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control

This study aimed to increase understanding of barriers to cervical cancer prevention and control in Haitian women using photovoice methodology. Consented participants were (1) trained to use a digital camera and encouraged to capture their screening barriers, (2) interviewed to unpack and analyze their images, and (3) invited to participate in follow-up focus groups for refined discussion and data triangulation for content analysis using NVivo software. The sample included women ( n = 25) who were on average 42 years ( SD = 9.8, range: 26–57) and born and raised in Haiti. Results highlighted multiple barriers, including gendered family responsibilities, concerns about quality of care, financial and time constraints, worries about discomfort and exam efficacy, and emotional deterrents such as frustration. Framed by the PEN-3 model’s dimensions of cultural identity, relationships and expectations, and cultural empowerment, women’s recommendations to overcome barriers spanned education, evaluation, and empowerment, respectively, across individual, interpersonal, and institutional systems. Study results call for more extensive examination of the diversity present in the groups of African origin to unearth transnational, multifaceted determinants of health by biology, beliefs, and behaviors including sociocultural and socioenvironmental access. Future interventions must include development of proactive policies, which deliberately pressure the government and global community to prioritize health infrastructure while simultaneously educating women about and dispelling fear of cervical cancer, thus empowering Haitian women to live their healthiest lives. Accordingly, this study may contribute to understanding global health equity advances and improving public health infrastructure in underresourced settings in low- and middle-income countries in the Caribbean.

Comparison of Narrative Video and Flipchart Presentation to Promote Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latinas Along the Border

Introduction Cervical cancer incidence and mortality is higher among Latinas compared with non-Hispanic White women and barriers to screening include lack of knowledge, lack of access to health care, and cultural factors. Both video and printed material have been found effective as health education tools in underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to show no difference between a flipchart presentation facilitated by a community health worker and a narrative video with limited in-person interaction in increasing cervical cancer screening rates among Latinas along the U.S.–Mexico border. Methods Study design: Randomized controlled study. Participants: women in a community-based cervical cancer screening program. Outcomes Primary outcome was screening completion and secondary outcomes were changes in psychosocial variables. Results Total sample size was 500. Most participants were born in Mexico, had a low annual income, preferred Spanish, and did not have a regular doctor. Overall, 371 (74.2%) participants completed screening. There was no significant difference in screening completion between educational delivery modes. The only variable significantly associated with screening completion was age, with 51- to 65-year-olds being 44% more likely than 21- to 40-year-olds to have a Pap test. The only psychosocial variable that was significantly different by delivery mode was perceived susceptibility. The majority of all participants found both the video and flipchart presentation to be acceptable. Conclusion A health promotion program delivered via self-administered video or PowerPoint slides showed no difference in increasing cervical cancer screening rates.

Applying Social Marketing Principles for Community-Based Cancer Screening Programs: Two Case Studies

Minoritized communities often experience worse health outcomes on the cancer continuum. Mainstream strategies may have limited reach and utility to populations experiencing inequities in real-world settings. Through the combined use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and social marketing strategies, which highlight community-centered and culturally adapted processes, we provide an approach to inform future intervention research across various health topics that has been successful in engaging minoritized and understudied communities. We present two case studies that used participatory social marketing principles to culturally adapt evidence-based cancer screening programs for two communities in New York City. The first program is a campaign to increase screening and vaccination for hepatitis B among Korean and Chinese American immigrants. The second is a culturally adapted program to increase breast and cervical cancer screening among a multiracial and ethnic population of Muslim women. These case studies illustrate the benefits of integrating social marketing and CBPR approaches as a key strategy when developing public health campaigns to effectively reach and influence health behaviors in partnership with communities that have been socially marginalized and historically underserved.

Prevalence and Correlates of Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge Among High School Students in Ghana

Introduction Cervical cancer is a preventable yet highly prevalent disease in Africa. Despite female adolescents and young women being a target group for cervical cancer prevention strategies, little research has examined their knowledge of how to prevent the disease. The study aimed to describe: (a) knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and (b) sociodemographic, social, and systemic factors associated with and interacting with knowledge among female senior high school students in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge about (a) risk factors and (b) primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among 2,400 female students from 17 public senior high schools in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Descriptive statistics were used to describe knowledge. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to examine factors associated with knowledge scores. Results Knowledge gaps were observed for at least two-thirds (>65%) of students. Most students (mean age = 17) did not know that early sexual debut (before 18 years) is a risk factor for cervical cancer (72%) and that a blood test cannot detect cervical cancer (71%). Students in later stages of senior high school education and those who received sexual health education from teachers and parents had significantly greater cervical cancer knowledge scores than their counterparts. Interactive effects showed that school-based sexual health education was associated with higher knowledge scores than home-based education among students. Conclusions Most female senior high school students had gaps in knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. Finding new ways to strengthen the capacity of schools and parents to deliver accurate cervical cancer prevention information is warranted.

A Storytelling Intervention in a Mobile, Web-Based Platform: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Preliminary Effectiveness to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Korean American College Women

Korean American women have substantially greater incidence rates of cervical cancer and the lowest rates of cervical cancer screening in the United States. However, there has been minimal research to promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among this population. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate preliminary effectiveness of a storytelling video intervention using mobile, Web-based technology. One hundred and four Korean American college women were randomized to the experimental group (storytelling video) or the comparison group (information-based written material). The effects of the intervention were assessed immediately postintervention and at the 2-month follow-up. Both groups improved in knowledge of and attitude toward the HPV vaccine at the postintervention. At the 2-month follow-up, the experimental group was twice as likely to receive the HPV vaccine compared to the comparison group. This preliminary evidence supports the use of a storytelling video intervention and shows substantial promise for further development and testing in larger scale studies.

Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Understanding Barriers Through Social Cognitive Theory and Health Belief Model

Despite advancements in screening technologies, gynecologic cancers remain among the deadliest and most overlooked cancers. Early detection is crucial, but many women are reluctant to undergo screening due to various barriers and misconceptions. This study explores the motivations and barriers influencing women’s decisions regarding early gynecologic cancer screening in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 professional women from diverse backgrounds using a qualitative approach. Data were analyzed through open and axial coding to identify key themes. An empathy map and user journey map captured the psychological and behavioral aspects of decision-making. The study identified themes such as lack of knowledge, reliance on social media and health care professionals, financial and time constraints, fear of results, and cultural stigmas. Participants with higher awareness were more likely to undergo screening, while those with personal or family cancer experiences showed greater vigilance. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive communication and health care professionals’ role in reducing stigma and promoting early screening. The study’s insights contribute to developing strategies to encourage early detection and improve health outcomes for women. These strategies align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), promoting health equity and empowering women. As emphasized by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), achieving these goals requires strong partnerships and collaborative efforts to create a supportive environment for early cancer screening initiatives. Policymakers can use these insights to foster health equity and empower women through supportive screening environments.