Evaluation of Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Health Promoters in Mexico Before and After Focused Training

Abstract

Objective. Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. We assessed the effectiveness of a trainthe-trainer program in two Mexican states in improving knowledge among professional and nonprofessional community health workers. Materials and Methods. We worked with local organizations to develop and implement a train-the-trainer program to improve breast cancer knowledge among community health workers, including professional health promoters (PHPs) who were trained and then trained nonprofessional community health promoters (CHPs). We surveyed participants before and after training that included in-person and online classes and again approximately 3 months later. We used paired t tests and chi-square tests to compare survey responses at the different times. We also used logistic regression to assess whether promoter characteristics were associated with greater improvements in breast cancer knowledge after training. Results. Overall, 169 PHPs (mean age, 36 years) completed training and provided a 10-hour training course to 2,651 CHPs, who also completed the pre-and post-training survey. For both PHPs and CHPs, post-training surveys demonstrated increases in an understanding of breast cancer as a problem; an understanding of screening, treatment, and insurance coverage issues; and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and what constitutes a family history of breast cancer (all p , .05). These improvements were maintained 3 to 6 months after training. Conclusion. Train-the-trainer programs hold promise for leveraging community health workers, who far outnumber other health professionals in many low-and middle-income countries, to engage in health promotion activities for cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.

Experiences and perceptions regarding clinical breast exam screening by trained laywomen in Malawi

“…They were often motivated by their social experiences, to undergo screening and later used their social networks to spread breast cancer knowledge and encourage screening. Train-the-trainer and social network programs have been successfully used to promote health for other diseases in Malawi [17–19] and similar models for cancer may improve awareness and early detection [20]. …”

Latinas’ Mammography Intention Following a Home-Based Promotores-Led Intervention

“…Covariates (age, education, lifetime mammography history) and post-intervention knowledge and social engagement scores were included as predictors. (40)…”

Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Breast and Cervical Cancers in Mongolia: A National Population-Based Survey

“…Opportunities exist to apply a diagonal approach, which aims to synergize and integrate disease-specific interventions with strategic health-system strengthening to achieve better results. Awareness and health education for women's cancers can be integrated into reproductive and maternal health programs that have broad population coverage [27,28], particularly given the attention and resources devoted to reproductive health programs in Mongolia [29].…”

“…While the results indicate that respondents were generally aware that early detection improves clinical outcomes, a significant proportion of Mongolian women do not engage in breast cancer screening or in cervical cancer prevention and screening. This should be a focus for future research that should investigate specific methods to address the lack of uptake of services and barriers to accessing care, including the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care personnel [28].…”