Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among Hispanic women are almost twice that of non Hispanic white women, and Hispanic women in Texas experience among the highest rates of cervical cancer mortality in the country. A vaccine is now available that prevents infection with HPV 16 and 18 that cause ~70% of cervical cancers. Although the vaccine has been available for two years and is free for uninsured girls, uptake is low (~37%), and Hispanics have the lowest rates of completion of the three dose series (14.7%). This study will evaluate, in a randomized control trial, the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of two lay health worker-delivered programs to increase vaccine uptake amon...

Read More

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among Hispanic women are almost twice that of non Hispanic white women, and Hispanic women in Texas experience among the highest rates of cervical cancer mortality in the country. A vaccine is now available that prevents infection with HPV 16 and 18 that cause ~70% of cervical cancers. Although the vaccine has been available for two years and is free for uninsured girls, uptake is low (~37%), and Hispanics have the lowest rates of completion of the three dose series (14.7%). This study will evaluate, in a randomized control trial, the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of two lay health worker-delivered programs to increase vaccine uptake among Hispanic girls ages 11-17: 1) a photonovella, and 2) a tailored interactive video. The aims of the project are to: 1) identify factors associated HPV vaccination among low-income Hispanic parents and girls living in Houston, TX; 2) develop culturally appropriate educational programs for Hispanic parents and adolescents to increase HPV vaccination; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of two programs on increasing vaccination among Hispanic adolescents 11-17 years old. The HPV vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of HPV-associated diseases; the public health impact of the vaccine, however, will depend on uptake in the general population and, in particular, among groups disproportionately affected. This study goes beyond traditional knowledge-based education and printed information for cancer education. Our study will develop and test tailored interactive cancer communication approaches to increase HPV vaccination among Hispanic girls. Because the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the interventions will be evaluated in “real world setting” the findings of the study will be easily translatable to current clinical and community practice. If effective, the intervention could substantially reduce the cervical cancer-related disease burden among Hispanics in Texas.

Read Less