Woman-to-woman: Feasibility of a lay health advisor program for cervical cancer education in Grenada, W.I

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Woman- to-Woman, a lay health advisor (LHA)-led educational intervention on cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge in a cohort of at-risk Grenadian women. LHAs from high-risk parishes were trained in the administration of the intervention and administered the program to 78 local women. Participants completed a pre- and post-knowledge test and a session evaluation. LHAs participated in a process evaluation focus group. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of participants obtained higher knowledge scores following the educational intervention. The difference between the pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant (p = 0.05). Almost 94% agreed that they were taught new and useful information by credible, community informed and responsive LHAs. Ninety percent (90%) indicated great satisfaction and high motivation to recommend to others. LHAs reported on the intervention and their community interactions. Results demonstrate that a LHA-led educational intervention significantly improved participants' knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, Papanicolaou test and vaccination against HPV. Innovations: Researchers trancreated an evidenced based intervention originally designed for Latina women for Grenadian women. There is no evidence in the literature of previous LHA- cervical cancer education studies conducted in Grenada nor the Caribbean. •Higher scores after the curriculum demonstrate significant increase of cervical cancer knowledge.•Culturally relevant adaptations made to the curriculum encouraged participation.•Knowledge deficit and cultural barriers limited access to screening services.•LHAs suggested that small groups of not more than ten participants were most effective.•Significant increase in cervical cancer knowledge, Pap testing and HPV vaccination.•Almost 94% of the women conveyed that the information they were taught was new to them