Abstract B19: Developing HPV educational programs in faith-based settings: Results of a community-based participatory research study
Authors: Brandt Heather M. , Dhotre Kathy , Scott Dolores B. , Williams Deloris G. , Drayton Ruby Fore , Mayo Rachel , Hebert James R. 
Published: December 2010

Purpose: African-American (AA) women in South Carolina experience excess cervical cancer incidence and mortality despite reporting higher rates of screening. The reasons for this observation are complex and not well understood. The faith-based setting is potentially a model setting to address cancer disparities. The purpose was to explore the acceptance of and opportunities for providing HPV vaccine education in faith-based settings.

Methods: The research was community-based and participatory and conducted in collaboration with the State Baptist Young Woman's Auxiliary Health Ministry members in Region 6, five churches (Manning Baptist Church, New Hopewell Baptist Church, Little Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, and Majority Baptist Church), and Carolina Community Based Health Supports Networks. Church liaisons and community data collectors were trained to identify, recruit, and collect data from eligible participants using a closed-ended questionnaire and semi-structured guide. Descriptive data were analyzed in SAS. Qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted using constant comparison and content analysis methods.

Results: A total of 20 in-depth interviews and 10 focus groups (96 participants) were conducted. All participants (n=116) were AA and the majority of participants were female (92%); were insured (95%); had completed high school or beyond (89%). The mean age of participants was 38.8 years. Less than half (41%) correctly identified HPV as a main cause of cervical cancer, but 75% of participants had heard of HPV. Most participants (77%) supported a school requirement for HPV vaccination. The in-depth interviews and focus groups provided information on the content and nature of cervical cancer prevention and control educational programs, including HPV vaccines, in faith-based settings. Most participants felt that the church was an appropriate setting for HPV education and discussions about the HPV vaccine and emphasized the importance of involving youth and adults in such efforts. While there was support for HPV vaccination, there were several comments regarding the age, safety, and unknown aspects of the HPV vaccine. Findings were presented back to participants and interested others in feedback sessions held in the partnering churches.

Conclusion: Participants’ knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer was average. There was general interest and support of the HPV vaccine among participants, but participants want more information, especially regarding safety. According to participants, the church is an ideal place to conduct programs, but programs need buy-in, support, and collaboration from leaders and stakeholders. Youth and adults should be the focus of such a program planned in partnership with church leaders. There was much discussion on the importance of engaging youth. The findings from this study are encouraging and show that this population of southern, AA church members are accepting of the HPV vaccine, feel that HPV education is needed, and are receptive to an HPV and cervical cancer educational program in the church. The findings are being used to inform development of faith-based interventions to increase knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer and promote informed decision making about HPV vaccines, and potentially decrease excess cervical cancer mortality.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B19.