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A Pilot Test of a Church-Based Intervention to Promote Multiple Cancer-Screening Behaviors among Latinas

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Abstract

We assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and initial impact of a church-based educational program to promote breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening among Latinas ages 18 years and over. We used a one-group pre-/post-evaluation within a low-income, Latino Baptist church in Boston, MA. Participants completed interviewer-administered assessments at baseline and at the end of the 6-month intervention. Under the guidance of a patient navigator (PN), women from the church (peer health advisors, or PHAs) were trained to deliver evidence-based screening interventions, including one-to-one outreach, small group education, client reminders, and reduction of structural barriers to screening. The PN and PHAs also implemented a health fair, and the pastor integrated health information into regular sermons. At pre-intervention, nearly half of the sample did not meet screening guidelines. The majority (97 %, n = 35) of those who completed the post-intervention assessment participated in intervention activities. Two thirds (67 %) reported talking with the PN or PHAs about health issues. Participation in small group education sessions was highest (72 %), with health fairs (61 %) and goal setting (50 %) also being popular activities. Fourteen percent also reported receiving help from the PN in finding a primary care provider. This study supports the feasibility and acceptability of churches as a setting to promote cancer screening among Latinas.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute (U56 CA118641 and U54CA156732) with supplemental funding support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (3U56CA118635-05S2). It was also supported by Cooperative Agreement Number U48DP001946 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this presentation are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We gratefully acknowledge the leadership and support of Drs. Karen Emmons and Adán Colón-Carmona. We also thank the following for their participation and support: Milagros Abreu, Erick Alcantata, Esteban Barreto, Lois Biener, Karen Burns White, Katia Canenguez, Magnolia Contreras, Ana Galeas, Maria De Jesus, Ericka Gonzalez, Elizabeth Gonzalez Suarez, David Hurtado, Thelma Juarez, Yolanda Martins, Yudy Muneton, Maria Nieves Sesma, Leyla Pérez-Gualdrón, Max Stewart, and Jamielle Walker.

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Correspondence to Jennifer D. Allen.

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Allen, J.D., Pérez, J.E., Tom, L. et al. A Pilot Test of a Church-Based Intervention to Promote Multiple Cancer-Screening Behaviors among Latinas. J Canc Educ 29, 136–143 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0560-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0560-3

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