| Learning Objective #1: Identify the variables that must be considered when designing health promotion/disease prevention programs for Latinas | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe an evidence-based approach to providing health care to Latinas who have had an abnormal Pap smear result |
INTRODUCTION. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Latinas living in the US have twice the incidence rate of and 1.4 times the mortality rate from cervical cancer than non-Latina white women (CDC, 2002). With appropriate follow-up care, the cure rate for precancerous cervical abnormalities (low and high grade interepithelial lesions) approaches 100% (Lawson, Henson, Bobo, & Kaeser, 2000). Poor and minority women have been found to be the least likely to complete recommended follow-up procedures for abnormal Pap smears. (Hunt, de Voogd, Soucy, & Longworth, 2002).
PURPOSE. To describe the development of a procedure for abnormal Pap follow-up that will result in increased participation by Latinas.
METHODOLOGY. A procedure was developed that included health risk messages, contact processes, and clinic procedures that were more culturally appropriate. Clinic staff participated in the development of this procedure in order to increase buy-in among those who would be responsible for implementing the changes and to increase the likelihood that the procedure would be realistic and workable.
OUTCOMES. The presentation will include an overview of the research and nursing theory that guided the development of the procedure. Participants will be provided with samples of the materials designed for the follow up procedure.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE. Detection and treatment of health conditions in the early and/or asymptomatic phase can reduce morbidity and mortality of many diseases, including cancer. Culturally appropriate methods of health care delivery can help to increase participation in health promoting behaviors among underserved and vulnerable minority populations.