Abstract C161: Community health workers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among older Hispanic women

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is an effective tool for cervical cancer prevention. Older Hispanic women are less likely to be screened despite having higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. Research has noted that in Texas (TX), women older than 50 and Hispanic women have lower screening rates. Literature after the COVID-19 pandemic on the barriers and facilitators to CCS within this population is lacking. There is a public health need to understand multilevel factors influencing CCS among older Hispanic women, who may face compounded disparities due to both age and ethnicity. Moreover, understanding the perspectives of key stakeholders such as community health workers (CHW) is needed. CHW have the cultural knowledge and community connections to promote CCS among this population. Thus, building on our current research with older Hispanic women aged 50 to 65, this exploratory qualitative study aims to identify multilevel barriers and facilitators to CCS among this population from the perspective of the CHW in TX. Methods: Feedback on the study design and the interview guide was obtained from community members, part of Mays Cancer Center’s Design Studios. CHW were recruited using virtual flyers distributed via email. We interviewed 13 CHW serving urban Hispanic communities in TX to explore their perspectives on barriers and facilitators CCS among older Hispanic women. The interview guide included questions about older Hispanic women’s knowledge about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, as well as, barriers and facilitators to CCS in this population. Applied thematic analysis techniques are guiding the data analysis. Preliminary Results: All participants are certified CHWs. Barriers mentioned by the CHWs include: 1) at the individual level - lack of knowledge about the connection between cervical cancer and CCS; 2) at the interpersonal level – women prioritize their families’ needs against their own health, and women’s perceptions of provider demeanor and treatment; and 3) at the society level – not having health insurance, and costs associated with CCS. The CHW identified community outreach initiatives focused on education, and the extension of operating clinic hours to include weekends, as strategies to facilitate CCS among older Hispanic women. Also, the CHW described supporting women through appointment scheduling and providing resources. Conclusion: Findings indicate a public health need to continue educating older Hispanic women about cervical cancer and CCS, provider relationships significantly impacts women’s screening experiences, and challenges in accessing healthcare persist. The CHW area highly knowledgeable about the needs of this community and function as facilitators by actively connecting the women with the healthcare system. Thus, CHW should be included in interventions to promote and facilitate CCS. These results will inform the adaptation of age- and culturally-tailored interventions to increase CCS in older Hispanic women in TX and help reduce cancer-related health inequities. Citation Format: Coralia Vazquez-Otero, Natalia Lopez, Alicia Ziegler, Geovanny Gutierrez, Rebecca Jones, Amelie G. Ramirez. Community health workers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among older Hispanic women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C161.