Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R29CA068113-05 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Fernandez-Esquer, Maria |
Organization: |
University Of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston |
Project Title: |
Community Outreach for High Risk Mexican American Women |
Fiscal Year: |
2000 |
Abstract
DESCRIPTION: The proposed investigation will study processes and effects
of a program to modify cancer-related behaviors among Mexican American
women at high risk for contracting cervical cancer. Specifically, the
goal of this project will be to encourage Mexican American women who have
multiple sex partners to participate in pap smear screening, to moderate
sexual contact or use condoms with their sexual partners, and to
discourage them from using alcohol, cigarettes and intravenous drugs.
The investigators will blend well-developed methodologies from
population-based community studies with more recent, successful
experiences with outreach to high-risk subpopulations in research on HIV
control and apply them to a specific group within a community setting.
The proposed research will target two inner-city areas of Houston
predominantly populated by Mexican Americans. Study areas providing
access to high-risk women will be clearly defined and randomly assigned
to treatment or comparison conditions. Preliminary community observation
will lead to the development or refinement of research measures and
intervention procedures. In each location, baseline and follow-up data
will be collected, primarily through brief "intercept" anonymous
interviews conducted by a trained "street" survey team. These data will
assess cancer-related risks and related intentions and attitudes. A total
of 1,500 interviews will be completed over a five-year period, with 500
completed per wave of data collection. Data analysis will establish the
relationship between treatment processes and outcomes. Implementation
tracking and qualitative data will also be gathered to help interpret
quantitative research results.
The proposed treatment program is to be adapted from recent experiences
with outreach for HIV control, in which hard-to-reach groups are
contacted through peer networks and the adoption of risk-reducing
behaviors is accelerated by peer modeling. The planned activities in the
treatment locations will include recruitment and activation of a network
of indigenous volunteers capable of gaining participation from high-risk
women. The creation of an accompanying "small" media campaign will use
low-literacy and non-written materials in journalistic and other formats
to display positive role models from within the study populations.
Publications
None