IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AND SCREENING FOR COLORECTAL CANCER AMONG HISPANICS: OVERCOMING BARRIERS THROUGH A PROMOTORA-LED HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

摘要

Nearly 67% of Hispanics ages 50 and older report that they have never had a screening colonoscopy. Barriers to screening include cost, lack of health insurance, anticipation of pain, fear, lack of awareness, and embarrassment, significantly more problematic among those Hispanics who are poor and lived in underserved rural and border communities. This study addressed barriers using promotoras and a home-based educational intervention to improve knowledge of and screening for colorectal cancer among Hispanics in Yakima Valley, Washington. Study participants completed pre and post surveys on general cancer knowledge and knowledge specific to colorectal cancer and screening practices and attended a promotora led home-based educational intervention consisting of home-health parties. Results indicated increase in knowledge of and participation in screening for colorectal cancer. Promotora facilitated home-based interventions offer ways to reach Hispanics in rural and other underserved communities to reduce barriers and improve access to cancer screening.