Abstract 7099: Development of HPV awareness and prevention education materials for Hispanic/Latinx community health educators

Abstract The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Although there is no cure for HPV infections, implementation of highly effective preventable measures (screening tests, HPV vaccination) has reduced the incidence of HPV-related cancers. However, the Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) community continues to experience high incidences of HPV infections and some of its related cancers. H/L underutilization of preventative health services can be partly explained by limited health care access, low health literacy levels, and language barriers. To address some of these determinants, the program ‘Mas Vale Prevenir’ aims to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate HPV related cancer prevention educational materials to train community health educators (Promotores) in California. To inform material development, we conducted 4 informal feedback sessions (N=24) and 2 focus groups with Promotores (N=12) which were analyzed using qualitative methodology (Thematic Analysis). We identified insights related to pre-determined themes: learning preferences (e.g., use medical terminology) and opinions related to content (e.g., liked narrative format, relatability) as well as two emerging themes: importance of content (e.g., normalizing the material, H/L-specific statistics) and the role of Promotores (e.g., bridge between doctors and community). Results from the focus groups analysis were used to refine materials in an iterative manner. Engaging H/L Promotores in the development of health educational materials is essential for their effectiveness as community educators. The next step will be to implement and evaluate the ‘Mas Vale Prevenir’ program to assess its effectiveness in reducing HPV related cancer health disparities. Citation Format: Daisy Montoya, Laura Adame, Jesus Bastian, Najla Dabbagh, Yelitza Campos, Julie Dang, Laura Fejerman. Development of HPV awareness and prevention education materials for Hispanic/Latinx community health educators [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7099.