title: Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer Education Needs among HIV-Positive Haitian Women in Miami.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Haitian immigrant women, the largest growing Black ethnic group in Miami, experience the highest rates of cervical cancer and account for one of the largest populations diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in South Florida. Using community-based participatory research methods, we conducted a pilot study to examine human papilloma virus (HPV)/cervical cancer knowledge and identify intervention preferences among HIV positive Haitian women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community health workers conducted three focus groups with 21 HIV-positive Haitian women. All sessions were conducted in Haitian Kreyol, digitally recorded, and subsequently interpreted and transcribed into English. The first focus group assessed HPV/cervical cancer knowledge, the second session explored HPV/cervical cancer considerations specific to HIV-positive women, and the third focus group discussed HPV/cervical cancer screening and intervention preferences. Data analysis was guided by a grounded theory approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our sample had limited HPV/cervical cancer knowledge. Misconceptions about screening, transmission, and treatment were common. Participants felt that stigma by providers impacted negatively the care they received and that stigma by the community diminished social support. Strong support for culturally tailored interventions to improve HPV/cervical cancer knowledge was expressed. Although no participants had participated in research previously, all were willing to participate in future trials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is critical need for culturally relevant interventions to improve HPV/cervical cancer knowledge among HIV-positive Haitian women.
authors: Division of General Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. Electronic address: sonjia@drsonjia.com.
authors: Sonjia
authors: S
authors: Kenya
authors: Division of General Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: Olveen
authors: O
authors: Carrasquillo
authors: Division of General Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Fatil
authors: Division of General Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: Jamal
authors: J
authors: Jones
authors: Division of General Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: Chrystelle
authors: C
authors: Jean
authors: Division of General Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: India
authors: I
authors: Huff
authors: Division of General Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Kobetz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000208:ethnology; D017144:Focus Groups; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D006205:Haiti / Q000208:ethnology; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*