Promoting childbirth in a rural health facility: A quasi-experimental study in western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: The high maternal and neonatal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa could be reduced by using navigation by means of mobile devices to increase the number of women who choose to give birth in a health center (HC) with a skilled healthcare practitioner. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used to test a midwife-delivered navigation by means of mobile phone. A total of 208 women were randomized to two groups (intervention and control). Women in the intervention group received up to three navigation calls from midwives. Women in the control group received usual antenatal education during prenatal visits. Data were collected using semistructured questionnaires. Childbirth location was determined through medical records. RESULTS: Overall, 180 (87%) women gave birth in a HC with a 3% advantage for the intervention group. A total of 86% (88/102) of the control group gave birth in a HC versus 89% (92/103) for the intervention group (Χ2 = 0.44, p-value = 0.51), with an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.33 (95% CI: 0.57, 3.09). Among those with personal phones, 91% (138/152) had a birth in a HC versus 79% (42/53) in those without a personal phone (Χ2 = 4.89, p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that it is feasible to deliver phone-based navigation to support birth in a HC; personal phone ownership may be a factor in the success of this strategy.

A conjoint analysis study on self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing characteristics among black women in Indiana.

BACKGROUND: Self-sampling for HPV testing may be a method to increase overall cervical cancer screening rates among Black women, who are underscreened for cervical cancer in parts of the US. The purpose of this study was to assess preferred characteristics for delivery of HPV self-sampling kits, return of HPV self-sampling kits, and communication of HPV test results and explore sociodemographic factors (income, education, and marital status) associated with acceptability of self-sampling for HPV testing. METHODS: Survey data were gathered at an Indiana minority health fair. Participants evaluated 9 scenarios that varied along 3 dimensions: HPV self-sampling kit delivery (mail, pharmacy pick-up, or clinic pick-up), HPV self-sampling kit return (mail, pharmacy drop-off, or clinic drop-off), and HPV test results (mail, phone call, or text message). The 9 scenarios were produced from a fractional factorial design and rated on a 0 to 100 scale. Ratings-based conjoint analysis (RBCA) determined how each dimension influenced ratings. A measure for acceptability of self-sampling was obtained from the ratings of all 9 scenarios. The acceptability measure was regressed on sociodemographics. RESULTS: The 98 participants ranged in age from 21 to 65 (M = 45). Across the 9 scenarios, overall acceptability to self-sample had a mean of 60.9 (SD = 31.3). RBCA indicated that HPV self-sampling kit return had the most influence on ratings, followed by HPV self-sampling kit delivery, and finally, HPV test result communication. Thirty-six percent of participants rated all self-sampling scenarios the same. Sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with acceptability of self-sampling. CONCLUSIONS: Self-sampling for HPV testing was found to be generally acceptable to Black women in this pilot survey study. This information could be used by researchers developing self-sampling interventions and the implementation of self-sampling among providers.

Psychometric development of a new body image scale for breast cancer survivors.

The purpose of this study was to psychometrically test a body image scale for breast cancer survivors (BCS). Data (n = 1127 BCSs) were obtained via telephone and mailed questionnaires. Psychometric testing was conducted using Cronbach's alpha, item-total correlations, factor analysis, linear regression, and Pearson's correlations. Data demonstrated a unidimensional seven-item scale with Cronbach's alpha = 0.88 and item-total correlations ranging from 0.367 to 0.829. Construct validity was demonstrated with 48% of the variance in well-being explained by constructs in the conceptual model [F(14,784) = 48.35, p < .001]. The body image scale demonstrated high internal consistency reliability, unidimensionality, and construct validity.

Comparative effectiveness of two interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among females living in the rural Midwest.

PURPOSE: To assess the comparative effectiveness of a tailored, interactive digital video disc (DVD) intervention versus DVD plus patient navigation (PN) intervention versus usual care (UC) on the uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among females living in Midwest rural areas. METHODS: As part of a larger study, 663 females (ages 50-74) living in rural Indiana and Ohio and not up-to-date (UTD) with CRC screening at baseline were randomized to one of three study groups. Demographics , health status/history, and beliefs and attitudes about CRC screening were measured at baseline. CRC screening was assessed at baseline and 12 months from medical records and self-report. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether females in each group were UTD for screening and which test they completed. RESULTS: Adjusted for covariates, females in the DVD plus PN group were 3.5× more likely to complete CRC screening than those in the UC group (odds ratio [OR] 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.09, 6.47) and baseline intention to receive CRC screening (OR 3.45, CI: 2.21,5.42) at baseline. Adjusting for covariates, there was no difference by study arm whether females who became UTD for CRC screening chose to complete a colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test/fecal immunochemical test. CONCLUSIONS: Many females living in the rural Midwest are not UTD for CRC screening. A tailored intervention that included an educational DVD and PN improved knowledge, addressed screening barriers, provided information about screening test options, and provided support was more effective than UC and DVD-only to increase adherence to recommended CRC screening.

Comparative Effectiveness of 2 Interventions to Increase Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Women in the Rural US: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Women living in rural areas have lower rates of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening compared with women living in urban settings. Objective: To assess the comparative effectiveness of (1) a mailed, tailored digital video disc (DVD) intervention; (2) a DVD intervention plus telephonic patient navigation (DVD/PN); and (3) usual care with simultaneously increased adherence to any breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening that was not up to date at baseline and to assess cost-effectiveness. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial recruited and followed up women from rural Indiana and Ohio (community based) who were not up to date on any or all recommended cancer screenings. Participants were randomly assigned between November 28, 2016, and July 1, 2019, to 1 of 3 study groups (DVD, DVD/PN, or usual care). Statistical analyses were completed between August and December 2021 and between March and September 2022. Intervention: The DVD interactively assessed and provided messages for health beliefs, including risk of developing the targeted cancers and barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy for obtaining the needed screenings. Patient navigators counseled women on barriers to obtaining screenings. The intervention simultaneously supported obtaining screening for all or any tests outside of guidelines at baseline. Main Outcomes and Measures: Receipt of any or all needed cancer screenings from baseline through 12 months, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Binary logistic regression was used to compare the randomized groups on being up to date for all and any screenings at 12 months. Results: The sample included 963 women aged 50 to 74 years (mean [SD] age, 58.6 [6.3] years). The DVD group had nearly twice the odds of those in the usual care group of obtaining all needed screenings (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.02-3.43; P = .048), and the odds were nearly 6 times greater for DVD/PN vs usual care (OR, 5.69; 95% CI, 3.24-10.5; P < .001). The DVD/PN intervention (but not DVD alone) was significantly more effective than usual care (OR, 4.01; 95% CI, 2.60-6.28; P < .001) for promoting at least 1 (ie, any) of the needed screenings at 12 months. Cost-effectiveness per woman who was up to date was $14 462 in the DVD group and $10 638 in the DVD/PN group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial of rural women who were not up to date with at least 1 of the recommended cancer screenings (breast, cervical, or colorectal), an intervention designed to simultaneously increase adherence to any or all of the 3 cancer screening tests was more effective than usual care, available at relatively modest costs, and able to be remotely delivered, demonstrating great potential for implementing an evidence-based intervention in remote areas of the midwestern US. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02795104.

Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening and Follow-up through Implementation Science (ACCSIS) in Appalachia: protocol for a group randomized, delayed intervention trial.

Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Ohio are hotspots for colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality in the USA. Screening reduces CRC incidence and mortality; however, screening uptake is needed, especially in these underserved geographic areas. Implementation science offers strategies to address this challenge. The aim of the current study was to conduct multi-site, transdisciplinary research to evaluate and improve CRC screening processes using implementation science strategies. The study consists of two phases (Planning and Implementation). In the Planning Phase, a multilevel assessment of 12 health centers (HC) (one HC from each of the 12 Appalachian counties) was conducted by interviewing key informants, creating community profiles, identifying HC and community champions, and performing HC data inventories. Two designated pilot HCs chose CRC evidence-based interventions to adapt and implement at each level (i.e., patient, provider, HC, and community) with evaluation relative to two matched control HCs. During the Implementation Phase, study staff will repeat the rollout process in HC and community settings in a randomized, staggered fashion in the remaining eight counties/HCs. Evaluation will include analyses of electronic health record data and provider and county surveys. Rural HCs have been reluctant to participate in research because of concerns about capacity; however, this project should demonstrate that research does not need to be burdensome and can adapt to local needs and HC abilities. If effective, this approach could be disseminated to HC and community partners throughout Appalachia to encourage the uptake of effective interventions to reduce the burden of CRC.

We conducted a multi-site study to evaluate and improve CRC screening processes using implementation science strategies at multiple levels including the patient, provider, health center, and community. Our goals were to increase rates of guideline-recommended CRC screening, follow-up, and referral-to-care in an Appalachian, medically underserved population.

Psychometric Testing of Papanicolaou Testing Barriers and Self-efficacy Scales Among Black Women.

BACKGROUND: Black women face cervical cancer disparities with higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared with White women. Identifying predictors of Papanicolaou (Pap) testing is a first step to decrease morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer, with barriers and self-efficacy being constructs that should be related to Pap testing adherence. Although barriers and self-efficacy scales have been developed, they have not been validated in Black women for Pap testing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to modify and psychometrically test barriers and self-efficacy to Pap testing in a Black population. INTERVENTION/METHODS: Data were collected from a minority health fair. Internal consistency reliability testing was conducted using item analysis and Cronbach's α. Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis and logistic regression. Papanicolaou testing adherence was regressed on each scale (barriers and self-efficacy) while controlling for antecedents. RESULTS: Data demonstrated 2 reliable scales: (1) barriers (Cronbach's α = .79), item-total correlation = 0.479 to 0.628; and (2) self-efficacy (Cronbach's α = .85), item-total correlation = 0.560 to 0.697. Exploratory factor analysis supported 2 unidimensional scales. The regression models supported a relationship between each scale and Pap testing adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggested barriers and self-efficacy scales were reliable and valid among Black women. Barriers and self-efficacy could be tailored in future interventions to increase Pap testing adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses could use responses to these scales for framing discussions about Pap testing.

Psychometric Testing of Attitudes Toward Physical Activity Scale for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of pediatric cancer experience chronic health problems following treatment, many of which could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. This report describes the development of the AYA Cancer Survivor Attitude (AYA-CSA) Scale, an attitudinal scale that is associated with physical activity in AYA survivors of pediatric cancer. Methods: AYA survivors (n = 100) completed a survey to evaluate their attitudes toward engagement in physical activity. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, correlation with physical activity intention and physical activity behavior, and prediction of physical activity, after adjusting for past physical activity, survivor age, gender, and family income. Results: Data demonstrated a single 6-item scale with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.82). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with physical activity intention (r = 0.553, p < 0.001) and physical activity behavior (r = 0.489, p < 0.001). After controlling for past physical activity and demographic covariates, survivor age, attitude toward physical activity, and intention were significant predictors of physical activity, and the overall model (F(6, 77) = 7.722, p < 0.001) predicted 39.5% of the variability in physical activity. Conclusion: The AYA-CSA scale demonstrates good reliability and construct validity, most important of which was the ability to predict actual physical activity in AYA survivors of pediatric cancer. This reliable and valid measure is an important tool in the design of behavioral interventions to improve physical activity engagement in AYA survivors.

The Effect of Two Interventions to Increase Breast Cancer Screening in Rural Women.

Guideline-based mammography screening is essential to lowering breast cancer mortality, yet women residing in rural areas have lower rates of up to date (UTD) breast cancer screening compared to women in urban areas. We tested the comparative effectiveness of a tailored DVD, and the DVD plus patient navigation (PN) intervention vs. Usual Care (UC) for increasing the percentage of rural women (aged 50 to 74) UTD for breast cancer screening, as part of a larger study. Four hundred and two women who were not UTD for breast cancer screening, eligible, and between the ages of 50 to 74 were recruited from rural counties in Indiana and Ohio. Consented women were randomly assigned to one of three groups after baseline assessment of sociodemographic variables, health status, beliefs related to cancer screening tests, and history of receipt of guideline-based screening. The mean age of participants was 58.2 years with 97% reporting White race. After adjusting for covariates, 54% of women in the combined intervention (DVD + PN) had a mammogram within the 12-month window, over 5 times the rate of becoming UTD compared to UC (OR = 5.11; 95% CI = 2.57, 10.860; p < 0.001). Interactions of the intervention with other variables were not significant. Significant predictors of being UTD included: being in contemplation stage (intending to have a mammogram in the next 6 months), being UTD with other cancer screenings, having more disposable income and receiving a reminder for breast screening. Women who lived in areas with greater Area Deprivation Index scores (a measure of poverty) were less likely to become UTD with breast cancer screening. For rural women who were not UTD with mammography screening, the addition of PN to a tailored DVD significantly improved the uptake of mammography. Attention should be paid to certain groups of women most at risk for not receiving UTD breast screening to improve breast cancer outcomes in rural women.

Increasing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening among rural women: Baseline characteristics of a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Rural women suffer disproportionately from breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer mortality compared to those in urban areas. Screening behaviors for these three cancers share many similar beliefs and barriers. Unfortunately, published interventions have not attempted to simultaneously bring women up to date with screening for three cancers (breast, cervical, and colorectal) even though multiple behavior change interventions are effective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effectiveness of a mailed interactive and tailored DVD vs. DVD plus telephonic patient navigation (DVD + PN) vs. Usual Care (UC) to increase the percentage of rural women (aged 50-74) up to date for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. METHODS: Nine hundred eighty-three participants needing one, two, or three cancer screening tests were consented and randomized to one of three groups. Prior to randomization, women were assessed for baseline characteristics including sociodemographics, health status, and cancer screening test beliefs. Screening status was assessed by medical record review. RESULTS: At baseline, the average age of participants was 58.6 years. Nineteen percent of the sample was not up to date with screenings for all three cancers. Colorectal cancer had the highest percentage of women (69%) who were not up to date with screening followed by cervical (57%) and then breast cancer (41%). Sixty percent of women reported receiving a reminder for mammography; 30%, for cervical cancer screening; 15% for colonoscopy; and 6% for FOBT/FIT. DISCUSSION: Increasing adherence to colorectal cancer screening may be the most urgent need among all screening tests. This clinical trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT02795104.

The association between maternal human papillomavirus (HPV) experiences and HPV vaccination of their children.

HPV vaccination prevents most HPV-related cancers yet vaccination rates remain low. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association between maternal HPV experiences and HPV vaccination uptake among children and whether this association may be explained by perceived benefits of vaccination. We used logistic regression models to estimate the effect of (1) maternal history of abnormal Pap smear, (2), family/friend history of cervical cancer, and (3) maternal history of cervical cancer on HPV vaccination uptake among children. Separate mediation analyses were conducted to determine if perceived benefits mediated the relationship between each maternal HPV experience and HPV vaccination uptake. History of abnormal Pap smear (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.97), family history of cervical cancer (OR = 1.72, CI = 1.26, 2.35), and personal history of cervical cancer (OR = 3.00, CI = 1.82, 4.95) predicted HPV vaccination of children. Perceived benefits mediated the relationship between history of abnormal Pap smear (indirect effect =.146, SE =.069, 95% CI =.014, .289), family history of cervical cancer (indirect effect =.228, SE =.079, CI =.080, .387), and personal history of cervical cancer (indirect effect =.298, SE =.116, CI =.082, .533) on HPV vaccination. Our results suggest that personal experiences with HPV-related disease may influence maternal HPV vaccine decision-making.

An RCT to Increase Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screening.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to breast and colorectal cancer screenings reduce mortality from these cancers, yet screening rates remain suboptimal. This 2 × 2 RCT compared 3 theory-based interventions to usual care to simultaneously increase breast and colon cancer screening in women who were nonadherent to both screenings at study entry. DESIGN: RCT. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Women (n=692) who were nonadherent to both breast and colon cancer screenings and aged 51-75 years were recruited. Enrollment, intervention delivery, and data collection were completed between 2013 and 2017, and data analyzed in 2018. INTERVENTION: The randomized intervention included the following 4 groups: 3 intervention arms (personally tailored messages using a web-based intervention, phone delivery by a trained navigator, or both) compared with usual care. Women at an average risk for colon cancer were allowed to select either colonoscopy or stool test as their preferred colon cancer screening. Mammography was promoted for breast cancer screening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome data at 6 months included self-report and medical records for screening activity. RESULTS: All intervention arms significantly increased receipt of either a mammogram or stool test compared with control (web: p<0.0249, phone: p<0.0001, web + phone: p<0.0001). When considering receipt of both mammogram and stool test, all intervention arms were significantly different from usual care (web: p<0.0249, phone: p<0.0003, web + phone: p<0.0001). In addition, women who were adherent to mammography had a 4.5 times greater odds of becoming adherent to colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The tailored intervention simultaneously supporting both breast and colon cancer screenings significantly improved rates of obtaining one of the screenings and increased receipt of both tests. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the clinical trials identifier NCT03279198 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

A retrospective and prospective look at strategies to increase adolescent HPV vaccine uptake in the United States.

The HPV vaccine debuted more than ten years ago in the United States and many strategies have been evaluated to increase HPV vaccination rates, which include not only improving current vaccination behaviors but also sustaining these behaviors. Researchers and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds have engaged in this work, which has included efforts directed at public health and government policies, health education and health promotion programs, and clinical and patient-provider approaches, as well as work aimed to respond to and combat anti-HPV vaccination movements in society. Using a previously developed conceptual model to organize and summarize each of these areas, this paper also highlights the need for future HPV vaccine promotion work to adopt a multi-level and, when possible, integrated approach in order to maximize impact on vaccination rates.

Factors Associated with Adherence to Mammography Screening Among Insured Women Differ by Income Levels.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality, yet mammography screening rates remain less than optimal and differ by income levels. The purpose of this study was to compare factors predicting mammography adherence across income groups. METHODS: Women 41 to 75 years of age (N = 1,681) with health insurance and with no mammogram in the last 15 months were enrolled to participate in an interventional study. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for demographic and health belief factors predicting mammography adherence for each income group: 1) low, less than $30,000, 2) middle, $30,000 to 75,000, and 3) high, greater than $75,000 per year. RESULTS: Being in the contemplation stage (vs. precontemplation) of obtaining a mammogram predicted mammography adherence across all income groups and was the only predictor in the middle-income group (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.61-5.89). Increase in age was associated with 5% increase (per year increase in age) in mammography adherence for low-income (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09) and high-income (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08) women. Having a doctor recommendation predicted mammography adherence only in low-income women (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 2.33-48.26), whereas an increase in perceived barriers predicted mammography adherence only among high-income women (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99). In a post hoc analysis, high-income women reported difficulty in remembering appointments (53%) and lack of time to get a mammogram (24%) as key barriers. CONCLUSIONS: For all income groups, being in contemplation of obtaining a mammogram predicted mammography adherence; however, age predicted mammography adherence for low- and high-income groups, whereas doctor recommendation and perceived barriers were unique predictors for low- and high-income women, respectively. Health care providers should be aware of differences in factors and emphasize strategies that increase mammography adherence for each income group.

A Randomized Trial to Compare a Tailored Web-Based Intervention and Tailored Phone Counseling to Usual Care for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer mortality could be decreased with risk-appropriate cancer screening. We examined the efficacy of three tailored interventions compared with usual care for increasing screening adherence. METHODS: Women (n = 1,196) ages 51 to 74, from primary care networks and nonadherent to colorectal cancer guidelines, were randomized to (1) usual care, (2) tailored Web intervention, (3) tailored phone intervention, or (4) tailored Web + phone intervention. Average-risk women could select either stool test or colonoscopy, whereas women considered at higher than average risk received an intervention that supported colonoscopy. Outcome data were collected at 6 months by self-report, followed by medical record confirmation (attrition of 23%). Stage of change for colorectal cancer screening (precontemplation or contemplation) was assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: The phone (41.7%, P < 0.0001) and combined Web + phone (35.8%, P < 0.001) interventions significantly increased colorectal cancer screening by stool test compared with usual care (11.1%), with ORs ranging from 5.4 to 6.8 in models adjusted for covariates. Colonoscopy completion did not differ between groups except that phone significantly increased colonoscopy completion compared with usual care for participants in the highest tertile of self-reported fear of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored phone with or without a Web component significantly increased colorectal cancer screening compared with usual care, primarily through stool testing, and phone significantly increased colonoscopy compared with usual care but only among those with the highest levels of baseline fear. IMPACT: This study supports tailored phone counseling with or without a Web program for increasing colorectal cancer screening in average-risk women.