Increasing Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccination for Vietnamese Women in Utah

The aim of this DNP project was to develop a community based educational program informing Vietnamese women about cervical cancer (CC), to raise the awareness of cervical cancer screening (CCS) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination. Cervical cancer continues to be a serious health threat for women in the U.S., despite overall decreases in mortality. Recent data indicates that in the U.S. there are approximately 12,000 new cases of CC diagnosed annually with more than 4,000 deaths. Cervical cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy among Vietnamese American women and low participation in cervical CCS and HPV vaccination constitutes an important health disparity in this population. Vietnamese women have the highest incidence rate of invasive CC compared to any other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Even though the incidence rate of CC among Vietnamese women has decreased steadily during the last decade, it is still more than twice that of non-Latina white women. Low rates of CCS and HPV vaccination in this population are attributed to a lack of knowledge about these services, limited English proficiency, socio-cultural barriers, lack of preventive care norm, limited health care access, and lack of income and/or insurance. Cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination rates among Vietnamese women have shown improvement with multifaceted and culturally appropriate interventions such as community based educational programs, small group or individual education sessions, visual aids, media advertisements, client-physician intervention videos, referrals, reminders, and follow-up phone calls. The objectives of this project included: 1) develop an educational program about CCS and HPV vaccination for Vietnamese women, 2) improve the CCS and HPV vaccination comprehension among Vietnamese women through the educational program, 3) evaluate and revise the teaching materials, and 4) disseminate the final educational brochure to community organizations, churches, and health care clinics where Vietnamese women participate. Participants (n=70) were recruited through several Vietnamese Baptist churches, nail salons, and individual homes by personal contact, and conducted in Vietnamese. Participants completed a pre-test questionnaire followed by an informal discussion and subsequent post-test questionnaire. Results indicate an increase in knowledge regarding CC, CCS, and HPV vaccination and an intent to seek screening. A brochure with local health centers offering screening and vaccinations were disseminated to participants and local community organizations where Vietnamese women gather. The purpose of the project was achieved by improving Vietnamese women's knowledge and awareness about CC, and by providing locations for screening and vaccination. With this knowledge, it is likely that the rate of CC and corresponding morbidity and mortality in this population will decrease. Participants who carry this knowledge and act on it will likely impart preventive health practices to the next generation