Using intervention mapping as a participatory strategy: development of a cervical cancer screening intervention for Hispanic women

Health Educ Behav. 2012 Oct;39(5):603-11. doi: 10.1177/1090198111426452. Epub 2012 Mar 1.

Abstract

Cervical cancer is preventable with treatment of precancerous lesions and treatable at early stages. Hispanics have higher rates of cervical cancer and lower rates of screening. Ayudando a las Mujeres con Informacción, Guía, y Amor para su Salud (AMIGAS) is an intervention to increase cervical cancer screening in U.S. women of Mexican origin. AMIGAS was developed with the participation of the community using intervention mapping (IM). Following the IM process, the authors completed a needs assessment, development of program objectives, selection of intervention methods and strategies, and program design. A benefit of IM is its linkage with community-based participatory research as it includes engagement of community members to identify and refine priority areas. The success of this strategy suggests it a useful tool for other populations. The resulting intervention program is currently being tested for efficacy and cost-effectiveness in three sites: El Paso, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Yakima, Washington.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Workers
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Program Development / methods*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*