Improving Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge with Education Via Fotonovela

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to improve women’s knowledge about cervical cancer screening and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination using an educational fotonovela and assess intent to participate in regular Papalogou (Pap) screening and receive HPV vaccine. Background: Inequalities in healthcare delivery and accessibility according to race, socioeconomic status, and gender have led to reduced understanding of health promotion practices. Women of color in the United States have reduced uptake of screening practices and lack understanding regarding importance of cervical cancer screening and prevention of high-risk HPV (Brady et al., 2021). Several interventions have had initial success among minority populations, such as fotonovela, which provides simplified education in Spanish through photos and a storyline. Methods: Participants were approached at a clinic as part of a county health department in Northwest Oregon, serving primarily Latino, Spanish-speaking patients. A pre-intervention questionnaire was used to assess baseline knowledge of cervical cancer screening and HPV prevention. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition’s educational fotonovela addressing importance of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination was given to participants, and knowledge improvement and intent to participate in screenings and vaccination was determined using a post-intervention questionnaire. Results: Twelve participants verbally consented to partake in quality improvement project. Nine participants fully completed the pre- and post-questionnaires. Five participants identified as Latina, two as Latina/White, and two as White. Five participants were between ages 45-50, two participants were 36-44, and two participants were 21-35 years old. Eight participants reported having a Pap smear in last three years, and one participant reported never having a Pap smear. Three participants reported previously receiving the HPV vaccine. The average score on the pre-questionnaire was 69% and average score on post-questionnaire was 96% showing an overall improvement average of 27%. All nine women reported intent to continue Pap screenings per their provider’s recommendation and five women reported intent to receive HPV vaccine. Conclusions: A culturally sensitive educational tool, such as a fotonovela improves knowledge about cervical cancer screening and HPV prevention among women at the clinic implementation site. However, further research is needed on a larger scale.