Abstract A156: Cervical cancer knowledge and attitudes towards self-sampling and community health worker-delivered screening services across racial groups in Indiana

Abstract Introduction – In Indiana, Black women had 12 percent higher cervical cancer incidence and 21 percent higher mortality compared to White women during the years 2008 to 2017. HPV self- sampling delivered by community health workers (CHW) could increase cervical cancer screening rates among at-risk populations. This study aims to compare cervical cancer knowledge, screening practices and attitudes towards HPV self-sampling and CHW-delivered screening services across racial groups. Methods – We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among patients from three Planned Parenthood clinics in Lake County, IN, which has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in Indiana. A comparative analysis across racial groups based on their willingness to self-sample, receive health education and other services from CHWs was conducted using logistic regression analyses. Results – In the final sample (N=140), the largest proportions were below age 30 (54.3%), aware of cervical cancer (78.6%), up-to-date on cervical cancer screening (84.3%), had no prior self-sampling experience (53.6%) and were aware of CHWs (52.1%). The Black (M=3.97, SD=1.94) population had a lower mean score for cervical cancer knowledge compared to the White population (M=4.67, SD=2.01). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed Black patients had higher odds of being willing to self-sample at home (aOR=3.749, 95%CI=1.619-8.681), to receive health education from CHWs (aOR=4.952, 95%CI=2.124-11.548) and to receive health services from CHWs (aOR=3.305, 95%CI=1.479-7.388) compared to White patients. Patients with higher knowledge (aOR=1.245, 95%CI=1.009-1.535) and patients overdue for screening (aOR=3.674, 95%CI=1.077-12.538) had higher odds of being willing to self-sample at home. Conclusion – The results showed Black patients had lower cervical cancer knowledge but higher acceptability of HPV self-sampling and CHW delivery of cervical cancer screening services. Study findings can be used to inform future CHW-led interventions for outreach, education, and delivery of self-sampling interventions to increase cervical cancer screening rates among Black women. Citation Format: Mrithula Suresh Babu, Monica L Kasting, Natalia M. Rodriguez. Cervical cancer knowledge and attitudes towards self-sampling and community health worker-delivered screening services across racial groups in Indiana abstract. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A156.