Using Community Education To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in Ajo, AZ

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities where screening rates are significantly lower than national averages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) screenings are essential for early detection and prevention (2024). However, barriers such as lack of awareness, transportation difficulties, low health literacy, and cultural beliefs contribute to less-than-optimal screening rates in rural populations (Washington et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2022). Community-based education has emerged as an effective, evidence-based strategy to address these gaps by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and improving screening uptake, especially providing immediate access to services (Brecher et al., 2024; Wong et al., 2021).Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to increase cervical cancer screening rates at Desert Senita Community Health Center (DSCHC) in Ajo, Arizona, by implementing a culturally considerate, community-based educational intervention during National Women’s Health Week. The intervention was adapted from the CDC’s widely validated AMIGAS program, an evidence-based initiative designed to improve screening uptake among Hispanic women (CDC, 2024). Specifically, this project assessed whether participation influences attendees’ intent to partake in cervical cancer screening. Methods: The educational session was promoted throughout the community and included information on the importance of routine cervical cancer screenings, HPV transmission risks, and available local healthcare services. Participants were encouraged to complete a survey capturing demographics, cervical cancer screening history, knowledge, and intent to screen. Clinic staff offered on-site screening appointment scheduling. Effectiveness was evaluated based on changes in knowledge and intent to screen and the number of participants who schedule cervical cancer screenings immediately following the session. Data was collected via paper surveys and the clinic’s scheduling system and analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess knowledge gains and behavior change. Results: Twelve individuals attended the session, ten of whom met inclusion criteria. Among these, the average understanding increased by 1.2 points on a 5-point Likert scale. Three participants scheduled same-day screenings. Conclusions: The findings supported the intervention’s effectiveness in increasing awareness and screening intent, highlighting the potential for broader community health impact.