Increasing Pap Testing Uptake and HPVV Knowledge and Acceptability among Black Women

Abstract

Women were recruited from two socioeconomically and ethnically similar regions to participate in the intervention. Regions were assigned to one of two conditions: print only or print plus media-based social marketing. Baseline and follow-up data were collected and analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistical approaches. There was a statistically significant relationship between intervention condition and reporting a Pap test at follow up (p = .013). Compared to women in the print only condition, women in the print plus media-based social marketing condition reported significantly increased Pap testing. Across both conditions, intention to receive Pap testing was high. In the print only condition, 37 out of 40 (92.5%) participants reported intention to receive Pap screening within two years, while 47 out of 57 (82.5%) participants in the print and media condition reported intention to have a test within two years. HPVV knowledge increased among all participants with no differences across intervention condition. The print only group reported no change in Pap test completion at follow up. However, the enhanced trial condition showed a 25% increase in Pap testing from baseline to follow-up. Therefore, in both intervention conditions, HPV knowledge and HPVV acceptability significantly increased from baseline to follow-up among all participants. This study suggests a multicomponent media-based social marketing strategy may be useful in promoting Pap testing and knowledge about HPVV among Black women.