A cervical cancer community-based participatory research project in a Native American community.
The Messengers for Health on the Apsáalooke Reservation project uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and lay health advisors (LHAs) to generate knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer prevention among community members in a culturally competent manner. Northern Plains Native Americans, of whom Apsáalooke women are a part, continue to be disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. This article examines quantitative and qualitative changes that occurred in the community since the inception of the Messengers for Health program. Paired sample t tests are used to evaluate the one-group pretest and posttest interviews of 83 Apsáalooke women in knowledge, comfort, and cancer awareness levels. Results reveal cervical cancer knowledge gains, gains in participants' comfort discussing cancer issues, and gains in awareness of cervical cancer and the Messengers program. Field notes, meeting minutes, and community perceptions are used to qualitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the Messengers program. Practice implications are discussed.
Christopher
Suzanne
S
Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA. suzanne@montana.edu
Gidley
Allison L
AL
Letiecq
Bethany
B
Smith
Adina
A
McCormick
Alma Knows His Gun
AK
D000328:Adult; D003150:Community Health Workers; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008875:Middle Aged; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult