Background: Although the overall incidence of cervical cancer in the United States is low, African American women carry a disproportionate burden of the disease. The incidence among Black women is nearly 50% higher than in Caucasians, and Black women are more likely than any other group to die from the disease. In order to eliminate such disparities and eradicate a virtually preventable cancer, education is crucial.
Methods: We completed a total of 5 lectures at four Historically Black Colleges. Each session included a lecture and a hands-on interactive review of HPV and cervical cancer. Participants were given a pre- and post-lecture survey that assessed knowledge and beliefs related to cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination.
Results: A total of 57 students completed the surveys. 96% of students reported knowledge of the HPV vaccine, however only 52% reported receiving the vaccine. About 77% of students over 21 years of age reported having a PAP smear. Of the 16 knowledge-based questions, correct response rates significantly increased (74% v. 91%, p = 0.02) with the intervention.
Discussions: Community outreach interventions emphasizing primary prevention and early detection are necessary to reduce racial inequalities in cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. The educational intervention utilized in this study was successful in improving knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. Further examination of the critical components for educational intervention in this population should be explored.
Keywords: Community Health, Cultural Diversity/Cultural Competency, Curriculum Development/Evaluation, Residents As Teachers, Underserved Communities
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2017, Student, Resident, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, UME, Global Health,
Jeanine Staples, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Melissa Wong, MD
