Background This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Salud Es Vida – a promotora-led, Spanish-language educational group session on cervical cancer screening (Pap tests), self-efficacy (belief in ability to schedule and complete a Pap test), and knowledge among immigrant Hispanic/Latina women from farmworker backgrounds. These women are disproportionately burdened with cervical cancer, with mortality rates significantly higher than non-Hispanic whites. Methods The two-arm, quasi-experimental study was conducted in four rural counties of Southeast Georgia in 2014–15. Hispanic/Latina immigrant women aged 21–65 years and overdue for a Pap test were included as intervention (N = 38) and control (N=52) group participants. The intervention was developed in partnership with a group of promotoras to create the toolkit of materials which includes a curriculum guide, a brochure, a flipchart, a short animated video, and in-class activities. Results Twelve (32%) intervention group participants received the Pap test compared to 10 (19%) control group participants (p = .178). The intervention group scored significantly higher on both cervical cancer knowledge recall and retention than the control group (p < .001). While there was no statistically significant difference in cervical cancer screening self-efficacy scores between the group participants, both groups scored higher at follow-up, adjusting for the baseline scores. Conclusion The group intervention approach was associated with increased cervical cancer knowledge, but not uptake of Pap test. More intensive interventions using patient navigation approaches or promotoras who actively follow participants or conducting one-on-one rather than group sessions may be needed to achieve improved screening outcomes with this population.

We developed and evaluated a lay health worker curriculum intended to educate Hispanic farmworker women on cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the HPV vaccine. We pilot tested the curriculum in 2010 with 7 volunteer promotoras for readability, attractiveness, content, comprehension, cultural appropriateness, persuasion, structure and organization of lessons, balance between didactic and participatory activities, and ease of diffusion to community members. Peer-led cervical cancer prevention education is a practical option for low-income, Hispanic farmworker women in newer immigrant-receiving areas of the United States with fewer Spanish-speaking health professionals.

Summary Cervical cancer incidence and mortality continue to affect Hispanic women in the U.S. disproportionately. Our project sought to refine a cervical cancer intervention designed for use by community health workers, or promotoras, in rural southern Georgia. We collaborated with Hispanic promotoras to refine a Spanish language educational flipchart featuring cervical cancer topic areas for use in screening promotion.