Who's Missing? Predictors of Attrition Following Participation in Culturally Targeted Educational Breast and Cervical Cancer Outreach Programs for Latinas

Abstract

Rates of breast and cervical cancer screening among Latinas are suboptimal. The Esperanza y Vida program was developed to increase awareness of screening methods among Latinas. Lay health advisor cancer survivors are trained to deliver the program and use a narrative communication approach to promote breast and cervical cancer awareness and screening. This study aimed to identify characteristics of participants, within the larger study, who were lost, due to attrition, for follow-up assistance. Participants (N = 908) completed questionnaires that assessed knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs about breast and cervical cancer and were contacted after the program to assess screening and offer assistance in obtaining screening exams. Latinas who were younger than 40 years of age and who felt that the survivor's story would prompt them to make an appointment for screening were more likely to be lost to follow-up at 2 months. These findings have implications for future breast and cervical cancer outreach programs and interventions.