Use of evidence-based strategies to promote mammography among medically underserved women.

BACKGROUND: Several web-based resources recommend effective intervention strategies to promote use of mammography but there is limited information on whether the strategies are used, particularly by organizations that serve medically underserved women. PURPOSE: In 2010, data collected by the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP) were analyzed to examine the diffusion of evidence-based intervention strategies among funded organizations. METHODS: Data on intervention strategies were obtained from a 2009 survey of Avon BHOP organizations funded during 2006-2009. Self-reported use of mammography was reported from annual intake forms administered to medically underserved women aged ≥40 years, excluding those with a history of breast cancer or initial enrollees not exposed to the strategies. Strategies reflected interventions reviewed in the Guide to Community Preventive Services. Those recommended to increase demand and use of mammography included (1) client reminders; (2) small media; (3) one-to-one education; (4) removal of structural barriers to rescreening; and (5) group education-and one that lacked sufficient evidence to warrant a recommendation (6) client incentives. RESULTS: Among 86 organizations, 96% used three or more intervention strategies. The most common strategies were group education (91%) and client reminders (83%). The overall crude-percentage of recent mammography use was 84%. This percentage was similar for clinical sites and nonclinical sites, despite the disproportionate enrollment of medically underserved women in nonclinical sites. CONCLUSIONS: The wide use of evidence-based strategies among Avon BHOP-funded organizations and high percentage of recent mammography use among women exposed to the strategies suggests that medically underserved women are benefiting from effective interventions to increase use of mammography.

A needs assessment of clients with HIV in a home-based care program in Guyana.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the needs of clients in a home-based care (HBC) program aimed at improving the quality of lives of people living with HIV in Region 4 of Guyana (Demerara-Mahaica region) following their involvement with the HBC program, volunteers, and nurse providers. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A cross-sectional analysis of a needs assessment conducted through a verbally administered questionnaire. We collected a cross-sectional sample of 84 HBC clients living with HIV from Region 4 in Guyana. MEASURES: Respondents were administered a questionnaire that asked questions regarding the demographics; services received; quality of service delivery; and mental health and substance abuse. RESULTS: The services most commonly received by respondents included nutritional assessment and counseling, HIV prevention education, emotional support, hygiene education, support for antiretroviral adherence, and support for HIV disclosure. Respondents reported further need of referrals to income-generation opportunities, food and nutritional supplement support, and support for children. Forty-two percent of the respondents screened positive for probable depression, and 37% of respondents screened positive for being at risk for a drinking problem. CONCLUSIONS: While a substantial portion of needs were addressed by the HBC program, outstanding needs included linking people living with HIV to income-generation opportunities, food support, mental health, and services for children. We suggest that mental health and substance use services be factored into HIV programming and that referral systems be strengthened to ensure access to support services for people living with HIV.