Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening Among Vietnamese Americans: A Community-Based Intervention Trial

Vietnamese women experience a significant health disparity in incidence and mortality rates and screening of cervical cancer. This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted and culturally appropriate intervention in increasing Pap testing rates to reduce cervical cancer disparity in this high-risk population. Methods. A total of 30 Vietnamese community organizations were randomized to either intervention or control condition. Participants (n=1,416) completed 12-month follow-up of Pap testing, their self-reported and medical record data were collected and analyzed. Results. The findings showed a statistically significant increase in Pap testing among intervention group than control group (significance p<.0001). The self-reported Pap test screening rate is in high agreement with that of validated medical records. Conclusion. Results indicate the screening rate was significantly higher in Vietnamese women in the intervention group compared with the control. Despite large intervention effect, there still remains a gap to reach Healthy People 2020 goal of 93% screening rate.