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 HIV/AIDS in South Florida. Using community-based participatory research methods, we conducted a pilot study to examine HPV/cervical cancer knowledge and identify intervention preferences among HIV positive Haitian women.
Methods
Community health workers (CHWs) conducted three focus groups with 21 HIV-positive Haitian women. All sessions were conducted in Haitian Kreyol, digitally recorded, and later 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.
Findings
Our sample had limited HPV/Cervical Cancer knowledge. Misconceptions about screening, transmission, and treatment were common. Participants felt stigma by providers negatively impacted the care they received and 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 previously participated in research, 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.