Learning about pap smears: an educational skit for Hispanic adolescents
Richardson, R.A.; Njoroge, W.; Wilcox, G.G.; Chacko, M.R.; Hergenroeder, A.C.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology 15(4): 197-204
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1083-3188 PMID: 12459224 DOI: 10.1016/s1083-3188(02)00155-9Document Number: 245777
To assess the efficacy of an educational skit on improving knowledge and decision making/behavior toward obtaining a Pap smear. Ninety-two Hispanic high school female volunteers participated in an intervention, single-sample, preintervention/postintervention survey. Data were collected prior to (T(0)), immediately after (T(1)), and seven weeks after (T(2)) the intervention. The intervention was a live, 15-minute, English-language skit. Fifty percent reported sexual intercourse. Viewing the skit was associated with 29% of those who needed a Pap smear done, actually scheduling or having a Pap smear done between T(0) and T(2). However, a causal relationship was not proven (P = 0.09). Knowledge was greater at T(1) and T(2) compared to T(0) (P < 0.00001). However, there was a decrease in knowledge at T(2) compared to T(1). More subjects agreed that females their age were at risk for cancer at T(2) compared to T(0) (P = 0.0001). There was an improvement in and retention of knowledge about Pap smears after viewing this educational skit. This study sets the stage for evaluating this educational skit on a larger sample with a comparison group.