Implementation and Evaluation of a Large Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

CONTEXT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality; however, screening rates are suboptimal. The lowest rates are among those with no usual source of care and the uninsured. OBJECTIVE: We describe the implementation and evaluation of a community-based CRC screening program from 2012 to 2015 designed to increase screening within a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border population. METHODS: The multicomponent, evidence-based program provided in-person, bilingual, culturally tailored health education facilitated by community health workers, no-cost primarily stool-based testing and diagnostic colonoscopy, and navigation. We recruited uninsured individuals due for CRC screening from clinics and community sites. An extensive qualitative and quantitative program process and outcome evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 20 118 individuals were approached, 8361 were eligible for screening; 74.8% completed screening and 74.6% completed diagnostic testing; 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean age of participants was 56.8 years, and the majority were Hispanic, female, and of low socioeconomic status. The process evaluation gathered information that enabled effective program implementation and demonstrated effective staff training, compliance with processes, and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This program used a population-based approach focusing on uninsured individuals and proved successful at achieving high fecal immunochemical test kit return rates and colonoscopy completion rates. Key factors related to its success included tailoring the intervention to our priority population, strong partnerships with community-based sites and clinics, expertise in clinical CRC screening, and an active community advisory board. This program can serve as a model for similar populations along the border to increase CRC screening rates among the underserved.

Evaluation of a Narrative Video to Promote Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Among Latinas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an online-delivered, theory-based narrative video on cervical cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in a predominantly Latino community. METHODS: The study design was a nonrandomized pretest-posttest evaluation. The eligibility criteria included men and women 18 years or older not previously enrolled in our community cervical cancer screening program who had internet access. Participants were recruited via in-person county-wide flyer distribution and social media dissemination. The intervention involved a narrative video designed for Latinas delivered via the internet. The 17-minute video is novella style, with a culturally tailored storyline and setting that covers cervical cancer risk factors and statistics, importance of screening, and addresses testing barriers. The measures were knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Analysis was performed using change scores for knowledge and psychosocial variables and descriptive statistics for satisfaction and acceptability of the video. RESULTS: Data from 227 surveys were analyzed; respondent mean age: 37.6 years; 98.8% female, 88.8% Hispanic; 42.0% had an annual income of $20,000 or less; and 85.2% had at least a high school education. Knowledge and all psychosocial variables improved significantly. More than 90% of the participants rated all of the satisfaction items as good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A culturally appropriate narrative video about cervical cancer and screening disseminated online effectively improved knowledge and psychosocial variables among Latinas. Our findings indicate that health promotion interventions online could be effective for improving desired health behavior through a new means of educational dissemination by way of websites and social media outlets.

The influence of individual and neighborhood-level characteristics on rural-urban disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality among U.S. women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Rural-urban disparities exist in cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Investigations of CVD mortality among breast and gynecologic cancer (BGC) survivors from rural/urban communities are limited. We evaluated the influence of individual and neighborhood-level factors on rural-urban disparities in CVD mortality among BGC survivors. METHODS: Data were from 1,139,767 women aged ≥20 years from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program who were diagnosed with BGC from 2000 to 2016 that was merged with Area Health Resource Files for neighborhood-level factors (smoking, cancer screening, primary care provider density and socioeconomic index). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for CVD mortality were calculated and multilevel Cox models, accounting for competing events, were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The average age of BGC survivors was 60 years, with 10.3% of them living in rural counties. During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 47,995 CVD deaths occured. Women with BGC had excess CVD mortality compared to general population women (SMR 6.05; CI: 6.00-6.11). This risk was highest among women aged <50 years (SMR = 27.16; CI: 25.74-28.62). In models adjusted for demographics, cancer stage and cancer therapy, women with BGC in rural communities had higher CVD deaths than those in urban communities (HR = 1.10, CI:1. 05-1.15). Additional adjustment for neighborhood-level characteristics attenuated the relation of rurality with CVD mortality (HR = 1.02, CI: 0.98-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: BGC survivors living in rural communities have elevated risk of CVD mortality. Neighborhood-level characteristics explained the rural-urban disparities in CVD mortality observed among BGC survivors.

The association of skipping breakfast with cancer-related and all-cause mortality in a national cohort of United States adults.

PURPOSE: Many lifestyle and dietary factors have been recognized as risk factors for cancer morbidity and mortality. However, investigations of the association of the frequency of breakfast consumption and cancer are limited. This study aimed to examine the association of skipping breakfast with all-cause and cancer-related mortality in a national cohort of United States men and women. METHODS: Data were from 7,007 adults aged ≥ 40 years who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) and had follow-up information on mortality up until 31 December 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 55.4 years, with 54.4% and 79% being women and non-Hispanic whites, respectively. Approximately, 16% of participants rarely consumed breakfast, 23.0% consumed breakfast some days, and 61% consumed breakfast every day. During a median follow-up of 22.2 years, 3,573 deaths occurred with 795 being related to cancer. In models adjusting for sociodemographic factors, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol levels, total energy intake and diet quality, persons who rarely consumed breakfast had a higher risk of cancer-related mortality (HR = 1.52; CI:1.06-2.18) and all-cause (HR = 1.69; CI: 1.42-2.02) compared to those who took breakfast every day. CONCLUSION: In this nationally representative sample, skipping breakfast was associated with elevated risks for all-cause and cancer-related mortality. This study provides evidence for the benefits of regular breakfast consumption in reducing the risk of all-cause and cancer mortality.

Group Versus Individual Culturally Tailored and Theory-Based Education to Promote Cervical Cancer Screening Among the Underserved Hispanics: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether group education is as effective as individual education in improving cervical cancer screening uptake along the US-Mexico border. DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled study. SETTING: El Paso and Hudspeth Counties, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred women aged 21 to 65 years, uninsured, due for a Pap test, no prior history of cervical cancer or hysterectomy. INTERVENTION: Theory-based, culturally appropriate program comprised of outreach, educational session, navigation services, and no-cost cervical cancer testing. MEASURES: Baseline, immediate postintervention, and 4-month follow-up surveys measured knowledge and theoretical constructs from the Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Social Cognitive Theory. ANALYSIS: Relative risk regression analyses to assess the effects of educational delivery mode on the uptake of screening. Mixed effect models to analyze changes in psychosocial variables. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty women assigned to each educational group; 99% Hispanic. Of all, 85.7% completed the follow-up survey. Differences in screening rate at follow-up were analyzed by education type. Overall screening rate at follow-up was 73.2%, no significant difference by education type (individual: 77.6%, group: 68.9% P = .124). Significant increases among group education at follow-up for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and subjective norms and significant decrease for perceived benefits. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence to support the effectiveness of group education to promote cervical cancer screening among vulnerable Hispanic women and offers an additional method to address cervical cancer disparities.

Barriers and Facilitators to Colorectal Cancer Screening Within a Hispanic Population.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cancer cause of death among US Hispanics. CRC screening among the Hispanic population is lower compared with non-Hispanic Whites. METHOD: The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory study was to better understand the barriers and facilitators of CRC screening and preference for stool-based testing collection methods among the predominantly Hispanic population of El Paso, Texas. Nine focus groups were conducted by a trained bilingual facilitator with a moderator guide informed by the literature. Transcripts of the focus groups were entered into qualitative analysis software and a thematic network was developed. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants were recruited: average age was 68.5 years, 58.9% were female, 98.2% were Hispanic, 87.5% had an annual income of less than $20,000, 58.9% had 9th grade education or less, 12.5% had a discount program, and 5.4% had no insurance. Barriers to CRC screening included cost, fear, and embarrassment. Facilitators to screening included in-person health education and physician recommendation. Participants preferred the hygienic nature of a stool test collected with a brush and bottle. CONCLUSION: Overall, there was a lack of knowledge regarding CRC and significant barriers to CRC screening. A community-based CRC screening program was subsequently developed from our findings.

Results of a randomized controlled trial to increase cervical cancer screening among rural Latinas.

BACKGROUND: Latinas have the highest rates of cervical cancer in the United States and the second highest rate of cervical cancer mortality. One factor in the disparity is the relatively low rate of screening for cervical cancer in this population. METHODS: Eligible women who were out of adherence with cervical cancer screening (>3 years since their last Papanicolaou [Pap] test) were identified via medical record review by a federally qualified local health center. The effects of a low-intensity intervention (video delivered to participants' homes; n = 150) and a high-intensity intervention (video plus a home-based educational session; n = 146) on cervical cancer screening uptake in comparison with a control arm (usual care; n = 147) were investigated. A cost-effectiveness analysis of the interventions was conducted: all intervention costs were calculated, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was computed. Finally, women with positive Pap tests were provided navigation by a community health educator to ensure that they received follow-up care. RESULTS: A total of 443 Latinas participated. Seven months after randomization, significantly more women in the high-intensity arm received a Pap test (53.4%) in comparison with the low-intensity arm (38.7%; P < .001) and the usual-care arm (34.0%; P < .01). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for high-intensity women versus the control group amounted to $4.24. Twelve women had positive Pap tests, which encompassed diagnoses ranging from atypical squamous cells of unknown significance to invasive cancer; these women received navigation for follow-up care. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally appropriate, in-home, promotora-led educational intervention was successful in increasing cervical cancer screening among Latinas. Cancer 2017;123:666-674. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Is "Active Surveillance" an Acceptable Alternative?: A Qualitative Study of Couples' Decision Making about Early-Stage, Localized Prostate Cancer.

The objective of our study was to describe decision making by men and their partners regarding active surveillance (AS) or treatment for early-stage, localized prostate cancer. Fifteen couples were recruited from a cancer center multispecialty clinic, which gave full information about all options, including AS. Data were collected via individual, semi-structured telephone interviews. Most patients were white, non-Hispanic, had private insurance, had completed at least some college, and were aged 49-72 years. Ten chose AS. All partners were female, and couples reported strong marital satisfaction and cohesion. All couples described similar sequences of a highly emotional initial reaction and desire to be rid of the cancer, information seeking, and decision making. The choice of AS was built on a nuanced evaluation of the man's condition in which the couple differentiated prostate cancer from other cancers and early stage from later stages, wanted to avoid/delay side effects, and trusted the AS protocol to identify negative changes in time for successful treatment. Treated couples continued to want immediate treatment to remove the cancer. We concluded that having a partner's support for AS may help a man feel more comfortable with choosing and adhering to AS. Using decision aids that address both a man's and his partner's concerns regarding AS may increase its acceptability. Our research shows that some patients want to and do involve their partners in the decision-making process. Ethical issues are related to the tension between desire for partner involvement and the importance of the patient as autonomous decision-maker. The extended period of decision making, particularly for AS, is also an ethical issue that requires additional support for patients and couples in the making of fully informed choices that includes AS.

Designing Normative Messages About Active Surveillance for Men With Localized Prostate Cancer.

Active surveillance is increasingly recognized as a reasonable option for men with low-risk, localized prostate cancer, yet few men who might benefit from conservative management receive it. The authors examined the acceptability of normative messages about active surveillance as a management option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer. Men with a diagnosis of localized prostate cancer who were recruited through prostate cancer support organizations completed a web-based survey (N = 331). They rated messages about active surveillance for believability, accuracy, and importance for men to hear when making treatment decisions. The message "You don't have to panic … you have time to think about your options" was perceived as believable, accurate, and important by more than 80% of the survivors. In contrast, messages about trust in the active surveillance protocol and "knowing in plenty of time" if treatment is needed were rated as accurate by only about 36% of respondents. For active surveillance to be viewed as a reasonable alternative, men will need reassurance that following an active surveillance protocol is likely to allow time for curative treatment if the cancer progresses.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latinas.

To reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer among Latinas in the United States it is important to understand factors that predict screening behavior. The aim of this study was to test the utility of theory of planned behavior in predicting cervical cancer screening among a group of Latinas. A sample of Latinas (N = 614) completed a baseline survey about Pap test attitudes subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to be screened for cervical cancer. At 6 months postbaseline, cervical cancer screening behavior was assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theory. Model fit statistics indicated good model fit: χ(2)(48) = 54.32, p = .246; comparative fit index = .992; root mean square error of approximation = .015; weighted root mean square residual = .687. Subjective norms (p = .005) and perceived behavioral control (p < .0001) were positively associated with intention to be screened for cervical cancer, and the intention to be screened predicted actual cervical cancer screening (p < .0001). The proportion of variance (R2) in intention accounted for by the predictors was .276 and the R2 in cervical cancer screening accounted for was .130. This study provides support for the use of the theory of planned behavior in predicting cervical cancer screening among Latinas. This knowledge can be used to inform the development of a theory of planned behavior-based intervention to increase cervical cancer screening among Latinas and reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer in this group of women.

A randomized controlled trial of two interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among Hispanics on the Texas-Mexico border.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second and third leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic men and women, respectively. CRC can be prevented if precursors are detected early and removed and can be successfully treated if discovered early. While one-on-one interventions for increasing CRC screening (CRCS) are recommended, few studies specifically assess the effectiveness of lay health worker (LHW) approaches using different educational materials. PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of two LHW-delivered CRCS interventions known as Vale la Pena (VLP; "It's Worth It!") on increasing CRCS among Hispanics. DESIGN: The study design was a cluster randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred and sixty five Hispanics 50 years and older were recruited from 24 colonias (neighborhoods) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of the Texas-Mexico border. INTERVENTION: The interventions were a small media print intervention (SMPI) (including DVD and flipchart), and a tailored interactive multimedia intervention (TIMI) delivered on tablet computers. A no intervention group served as the comparison group. Data were collected between 2007 and 2009 and analyzed between 2009 and 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures assessed CRCS behavior, self-efficacy, knowledge, and other psychosocial constructs related to CRCS and targeted through VLP. RESULTS: Among participants reached for follow-up, 18.9 % in the SMPI group, 13.3 % in the TIMI group, and 11.9 % in the comparison group completed CRCS. Intent-to-treat analysis showed that 13.6 % in the SMPI group, 10.2 % in the TIMI group, and 10.8 % in the comparison group completed CRCS. These differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that there are no significant differences in CRCS uptake between groups.

Treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer: a concept mapping approach.

OBJECTIVE: Few decision aids emphasize active surveillance (AS) for localized prostate cancer. Concept mapping was used to produce a conceptual framework incorporating AS and treatment. METHODS: Fifty-four statements about what men need to make a decision for localized prostate cancer were derived from focus groups with African American, Latino and white men previously screened for prostate cancer and partners (n = 80). In the second phase, 89 participants sorted and rated the importance of statements. RESULTS: An eight cluster map was produced for the overall sample. Clusters were labelled Doctor-patient exchange, Big picture comparisons, Weighing the options, Seeking and using information, Spirituality and inner strength, Related to active treatment, Side-effects and Family concerns. A major division was between medical and home-based clusters. Ethnic groups and genders had similar sorting, but some variation in importance. Latinos rated Big picture comparisons as less important. African Americans saw Spirituality and inner strength most important, followed by Latinos, then whites. Ethnic- and gender-specific concept maps were not analysed because of high similarity in their sorting patterns. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a conceptual framework for management of early-stage prostate cancer that included coverage of AS. Eliciting the conceptual framework is an important step in constructing decision aids which will address gaps related to AS.

Colorectal cancer screening among Latinos in three communities on the Texas-Mexico border.

OBJECTIVE: To assess colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) prevalence and psychosocial correlates of CRCS among Latinos in South Texas. METHOD: Using multivariable analyses, we examined the association of perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, pros and cons, subjective norms, knowledge and fatalism on CRCS among 544 Latinos (50 years and older). RESULTS: In this socioeconomically disadvantaged population, 40% had never heard of any CRCS test, only 34% reported ever completing any type of CRCS, and only 25% were adherent to CRCS guidelines. Insurance status, gender, perceived cons, CRCS self-efficacy, and CRCS norms were significantly associated with CRCS. CONCLUSION: CRCS interventions in this population should focus on improving access, increasing self-efficacy and perceived norms, and decreasing negative perceptions of CRCS.

Cervical cancer screening with AMIGAS: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic women have a higher incidence of cervical cancer than all other races and ethnicities. In Hispanic subgroups, Mexican American women were among the least likely to have received cervical cancer screening. In a recent RCT, Ayudando a las Mujeres con Información, Guia, y Amor para su Salud (AMIGAS) was shown to increase cervical cancer screening rates among women of Mexican descent at 6 months in all intervention arms compared to the control arm. Limited information exists about the economics of interventions to increase cervical cancer screening rates among women of Mexican descent. PURPOSE: This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the alternative AMIGAS intervention methods for increasing cervical cancer screening among low-income women of Mexican descent in three U.S. communities. METHODS: Cost data were collected from 2008 to 2011 alongside the AMIGAS study of 613 women. Receipt of Pap test within 6 months of intervention was the primary outcome measure in the cost-effectiveness analysis, conducted during 2012-2013. RESULTS: The cost per additional woman screened comparing the video-only intervention to usual care was $980. The cost increased to $1,309 with participant time cost included. With an additional cost per participant of $3.90 compared to flipchart only, the full AMIGAS program (video plus flipchart) yielded 6.8% additional women screened. CONCLUSIONS: Results on the average and incremental cost-effectiveness of the AMIGAS program elements may assist health policymakers and program managers to select and appropriately budget for interventions shown to increase cervical cancer screening among low-income women of Mexican descent.

A systematic review of special events to promote breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Special events are common community-based strategies for health promotion. This paper presents findings from a systematic literature review on the impact of special events to promote breast, cervical or colorectal cancer education and screening. METHODS: Articles in English that focused on special events involving breast, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer conducted in the U.S. and published between January 1990 and December 2011 were identified from seven databases: Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstract, Cochrane Libraries, and EconLit. Study inclusion and data extraction were independently validated by two researchers. RESULTS: Of the 20 articles selected for screening out of 1,409, ten articles on special events reported outcome data. Five types of special events were found: health fairs, parties, cultural events, special days, and plays. Many focused on breast cancer only, or in combination with other cancers. Reach ranged from 50-1732 participants. All special events used at least one evidence-based strategy suggested by the Community Guide to Preventive Services, such as small media, one-on-one education, and reducing structural barriers. For cancer screening as an outcome of the events, mammography screening rates ranged from 4.8% to 88%, Pap testing was 3.9%, and clinical breast exams ranged from 9.1% to 100%. For colorectal screening, FOBT ranged from 29.4% to 76%, and sigmoidoscopy was 100% at one event. Outcome measures included intentions to get screened, scheduled appointments, uptake of clinical exams, and participation in cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Special events found in the review varied and used evidence-based strategies. Screening data suggest that some special events can lead to increases in cancer screening, especially if they provide onsite screening services. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that special events are effective in increasing cancer screening. The heterogeneity of populations served, event activities, outcome variables assessed, and the reliance on self-report to measure screening limit conclusions. This study highlights the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of special events to increase cancer screening.

'It's not like you just had a heart attack': decision-making about active surveillance by men with localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Growing recognition that active surveillance (AS) is a reasonable management option for many men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer led us to describe patients' conceptualizations of AS and reasons for their treatment decisions. METHODS: Men were patients of a multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinic at a large tertiary cancer center where patients are routinely briefed on treatment options, including AS. We conducted a thematic analysis of interviews with 15 men who had chosen AS and 15 men who received radiation or surgery. RESULTS: Men who chose AS described it as an organized process with a rigorous and reassuring protocol of periodic testing, with potential for subsequent and timely decision-making about treatment. AS was seen as prolonging their current good health and function with treatment still possible later. Rationales for choosing AS included trusting their physician's monitoring, 'buying time' without experiencing adverse effects of treatment, waiting for better treatments, and seeing their cancer as very low risk. Men recognized the need to justify their choice to others because it seemed contrary to the impulse to immediately treat cancer. Descriptions of AS by men who chose surgery or radiation were less specific about the testing regimen. Getting rid of the cancer and having a cure were paramount for them. CONCLUSIONS: Men fully informed of their treatment options for localized prostate cancer have a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of AS. Slowing the decision-making process may enhance the acceptability of AS.

AMIGAS: building a cervical cancer screening intervention for public health practice.

BACKGROUND: Many barriers to cervical cancer screening for Hispanic women have been documented, but few effective interventions exist. The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends increasing cervical cancer screening through various methods. Building on this evidence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded the research and testing phases for an evidence-based and theoretically grounded intervention designed to increase cervical cancer screening among never and rarely screened Hispanic women of Mexican descent. In this article, we describe the development process of the AMIGAS (Ayudando a las Mujeres con Información, Guía, y Amor para su Salud) intervention, highlight the integration of scientific evidence and community-based participatory research principles, and identify opportunities for dissemination, adaptation, and implementation of this intervention. METHODS: The AMIGAS team was a collaboration among researchers, promotoras (community health workers), and program administrators. The multiyear, multiphase project was conducted in Houston, Texas; El Paso, Texas; and Yakima, Washington. The team completed several rounds of formative research, designed intervention materials and methodology, conducted a randomized controlled trial, created a guide for program administrators, and developed an intervention dissemination plan. RESULTS: Trial results demonstrated that AMIGAS was successful in increasing cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women. Adaptation of AMIGAS showed minimal reduction of outcomes. Dissemination efforts are underway to make AMIGAS available in a downloadable format via the Internet. CONCLUSIONS: Developing a community-based intervention that is evidence-based and theoretically grounded is challenging, time-intensive, and requires collaboration among multiple disciplines. Inclusion of key stakeholders-in particular program deliverers and administrators-and planning for dissemination and translation to practice are integral components of successful intervention design. By providing explicit directions for adaptation for program deliverers, relevant information for program administrators, and access to the intervention via the Internet, AMIGAS is available to help increase cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women and other women disproportionately affected by cervical cancer.

Dating violence among urban, minority, middle school youth and associated sexual risk behaviors and substance use.

BACKGROUND: Whereas dating violence among high school students has been linked with sexual risk-taking and substance use, this association has been understudied among early adolescents. We estimated the prevalence of physical and nonphysical dating violence in a sample of middle school students and examined associations between dating violence, sexual, and substance use behaviors. METHODS: Logistic regression models for clustered data from 7th grade students attending 10 Texas urban middle schools were used to examine cross-sectional associations between dating violence victimization and risk behaviors. RESULTS: The sample (N = 950) was 48.5% African American, 36.0% Hispanic, 55.7% female, mean age 13.1 years (SD 0.64). About 1 in 5 reported physical dating violence victimization, 48.1% reported nonphysical victimization, and 52.6% reported any victimization. Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that physical, nonphysical, and any victimization was associated with ever having sex, ever using alcohol, and ever using drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of sampled middle school students had experienced dating violence, which may be associated with early sexual initiation and substance use. Middle school interventions that prevent dating violence are needed.

AMIGAS: a multicity, multicomponent cervical cancer prevention trial among Mexican American women.

BACKGROUND: Considerable efforts have been undertaken in the United States to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by increasing screening; however, disparities in screening rates continue to exist among certain racial and ethnic minority groups. The objective of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of a lay health worker-delivered intervention-AMIGAS (Ayudando a las Mujeres con Informacion, Guia, y Amor para su Salud [helping women with information, guidance, and love for their health])-to increase Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening among 3 populations of women of Mexican origin. METHODS: Six hundred thirteen women of Mexican origin in 3 treatment sites were randomized among 4 study arms: the full AMIGAS program with a video and a flip chart (n = 151), the AMIGAS program without the video (n = 154), the AMIGAS program without the flip chart (n = 155), and a usual care control group (n = 153). Six months after enrollment, women were surveyed and reported whether or not they had been screened. RESULTS: Women in any of the intervention arms were statistically significantly more likely to report being screened than those in the usual care group in both an intent-to-treat analysis and a per-protocol analysis. In the intent-to-treat analysis, 25% of women in the control group and 52% in the full AMIGAS program group reported having had Pap tests (P < .001); in the per-protocol analysis, the percentages were 29% and 62%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: AMIGAS was effective in increasing Pap test screening among women of Mexican descent when used in a 1-to-1 setting. Future research should compare the 1-on-1 intervention with the group-based intervention.

Cervical cancer screening and adherence to follow-up among Hispanic women study protocol: a randomized controlled trial to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women.

BACKGROUND: In the US, Hispanic women have a higher incidence of, and mortality from, cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women. The reason for this disparity may be attributable to both low rates of screening and poor adherence to recommended diagnostic follow-up after an abnormal Pap test. The 'Cervical Cancer Screening and Adherence to Follow-up Among Hispanic Women' study is a collaboration between a research institution and community partners made up of members from community based organizations, the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program of the Yakima District . The study will assess the efficacy of two culturally-appropriate, tailored educational programs designed to increase cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women, based in the Yakima Valley, Washington, US. METHODS/DESIGN: A parallel randomized-controlled trial of 600 Hispanic women aged 21-64, who are non-compliant with Papanicolau (Pap) test screening guidelines. Participants will be randomized using block randomization to (1) a control arm (usual care); (2) a low-intensity information program, consisting of a Spanish-language video that educates women on the importance of cervical cancer screening; or (3) a high-intensity program consisting of the video plus a 'promotora' or lay-community health educator-led, home based intervention to encourage cervical cancer screening. Participants who attend cervical cancer screening, and receive a diagnosis of an abnormal Pap test will be assigned to a patient navigator who will provide support and information to promote adherence to follow-up tests, and any necessary surgery or treatment. Primary endpoint: Participants will be tracked via medical record review at community-based clinics, to identify women who have had a Pap test within 7 months of baseline assessment. Medical record reviewers will be blinded to randomization arm. Secondary endpoint: An evaluation of the patient navigator program as a method to improve adherence and reduce time to follow-up among participants who receive an abnormal Pap test result. An additional secondary endpoint is the cost-effectiveness of the two different intensity intervention programs. DISCUSSION: This culturally sensitive intervention aims to increase compliance and adherence to cervical screening in a Hispanic population. If effective, such interventions may reduce incidence of cervical cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01525433.