Abstract A19: Acceptability of the Pap test versus an HPV self-sampler for cervical cancer screening among women of Haitian descent
Authors: Damus Francesca , Smith Selina A. , Alema-Mensah Ernest , Kobetz Erin N. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose: Cervical cancer screening disparities have been acknowledged in cities with growing Haitian populations. These disparities are attributed to high incidence and low cervical screening rates. There are barriers leading to increased disease incidence and hindering cervical cancer screenings. The purpose of this research is to replicate an evidence-based cervical cancer screening intervention Pap tes Lakay (Haitian Creole for at home Pap test). Implementing this intervention may serve as an effective strategy to help eliminate cervical cancer screening barriers in at-risk communities, including women of Haitian descent in Metro-Atlanta. Pursuit of this research endeavor will also assess cervical cancer screening preference (Self-Sampling for Human papillomavirus versus Papanicolaou test) among program participants.

Methods: Pap tes Lakay is a culturally-effective approach to the cervical cancer screening disparity among Haitian women. Through this community-based participatory research (CBPR) intervention, Kobetz et al. disseminated linguistically- and culturally-appropriate cervical cancer prevention education to Haitian women utilizing community health workers (CHWs). CHWs demonstrated proper use of an HPV Self-Sampler, a device that detects abnormal cervical cell growth and other abnormalities. Investigators will replicate this evidence-based cervical cancer screening intervention and recruit and train bilingual Haitian American CHWs. CHWs will solicit participant informed consent, administer baseline surveys, deliver education, demonstrate proper Self-Sampler use, and administer post surveys.

Results: A University of Miami study demonstrated high acceptability of an at-home HPV Self-Sampler. Implementation of Pap tes Lakay proved efficacious in increasing cervical cancer screening among Haitian women in South Florida. Previous results indicate 98% would recommend the HPV Self-Sampler to friends and family; 96% felt comfortable using it and 95% thought that it was easy to use.

Discussion: The high rates of acceptance indicate that self-sampling may be a viable alternative to increasing cervical cancer prevention among this underserved population. This demonstrates Pap tes Lakay is a culturally-appropriate method to address cervical cancer screening disparities among women of Haitian heritage. Future plans include implementation of this evidence-based intervention in Metro Atlanta and assessing cervical screening preference among women of Haitian descent.

Citation Format: Francesca Damus, Selina A. Smith, Ernest Alema-Mensah, Erin N. Kobetz. Acceptability of the Pap test versus an HPV self-sampler for cervical cancer screening among women of Haitian descent. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A19. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A19