CASE STUDIES

Reducing Cervical Cancer through Education and Empowerment

HPV

The Problem

Educating women about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a major challenge, particularly among low-literacy women who are less likely to have regular health checkups. HPV is currently the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States, yet many women are not aware of what it is, how it is transmitted, how it is monitored and treated, and, perhaps most importantly, its potential to develop into cervical cancer.

The Solution

At the request of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Aptima has developed an educational CD about HPV in cooperation with our partners at Johns Hopkins University, Boston Public Health Commission and Children’s Hospital in Boston.

The multimedia CD guides patients through a tailored interactive video that features a question and answer session between a woman and a nurse educator that highlights the nature of HPV, the risks and treatment information. A take-home brochure complements the video and provides patients with a summary of the CD along with a list of references they can consult.

HPV

The tutorial uses techniques known to be effective in communicating to low-literacy populations, such as diagrams, animations, and testimonials. It also employs advanced communication techniques such as framing of the message, tailoring, and message personalization. By presenting information in an easy-to-understand manner, the educational program aims to explain HPV, elucidate the relationship between HPV and cancer, reduce the stigma of having a sexually transmitted disease, reduce anxiety, promote healthy sexual behavior, and increase the chances of follow-up visits to the doctor.

The Results

The multimedia CD is available to be used as part of a campaign to raise awareness of HPV. The product empowers women to take care of their health and save lives through encouraging screening and follow up.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services, under contract No. 200-2004-09857. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.