206 Cervical Cancer Disparities: Knowledge, Screening and Willingness to adopt testing modalities among Hispanic/Latinx Women in Lake County, Indiana

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: There are notable disparities in cervical cancer screening. Theobjective of this study was to examine knowledge, screening practices, attitudes towards cervical cancer screening, and willingness to adopt screening innovations such as self-sampling and HPV rapid testing for cervical cancer among Hispanic women in Lake County, Indiana. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This mixed-methods study encompassed an online cross-sectional survey (n=231) and in-depth interviews (n=9) of individuals with a cervix aged 21-65 residing in Lake County, Indiana. Outcome variables focused on cervical cancer knowledge, willingness to adopt self-sampling, and willingness to adopt HPV rapid testing. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages. A cervical cancer knowledge score was computed from 7 questions. Scores below the mean 3.62 were labeled ‘low’ while higher scores were ‘high’. We also examined associations between demographic and outcome variables. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Qualitative analysis was conducted using NVIVO software to thematically analyze interviews using deductive and inductive coding techniques. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Majority of participants identified as Hispanic (58%), aged 31 or older (58%). While 80.5% reported being screened for cervical cancer, only 44.6% demonstrated ‘high' cervical cancer knowledge. 89.6% felt screening is important as emphasized in qualitative findings for its preventive value. Over half were willing to take their vaginal swab in clinic (55.8%) and at home (51.9%). However, among the Hispanic/Latinx groups reluctance to adopt self-sampling was notable (56.7% in clinic and 62.7% at home). Qualitative analysis revealed concerns about test accuracy. Willingness to use a hypothetical HPV rapid had higher acceptance (69.7%), with 52.2% in the Hispanic/Latinx group. Qualitative findings highlight benefits like increased screening access, comfort, and convenience offered by an HPV rapid test. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Hispanic/Latinx women in the sample were less willing to adopt cervical cancer screening methods such as self-sampling and rapid testing compared to non-Hispanic whites. Despite being considered beneficial for testing among vulnerable populations, our study found limited acceptance from these populations for various reasons.