A bilingual webnovela on the human papillomavirus: Will Latinas and health professionals use it?. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macario, Everly; Matiella, Ana Consuelo
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication in healthcare. Volume 8:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Cervical cancer -- Digital health -- Fotonovela/webnovela -- Human papillomavirus -- Latinas/Hispanic women -- Prevention.; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; 610.696
• DOI: 10.1179/1753807615Y.0000000004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-8068

Abstract

Abstract : Background: A 'webnovela', an adaptation of the traditional fotonovela, is an engaging and educational story told with photographs and dialog, and specifically designed for use online. We developed a bilingual, interactive webnovela prototype to assess its acceptability, feasibility, and knowledge-imparting capabilities to help address the disproportionate incidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among United States Latinas. The primary aim of the study was to test the webnovela format. The secondary aim was to test content related to the HPV vaccine, Pap tests, HPV prevention, and early detection of cervical cancer. Methods: To offer feedback on the webnovela: 84 Spanish- and English-speaking Latinas 18–26 years first completed a pre-survey, then engaged in a focus group discussion (10 focus groups total), and after the discussion, completed a post-survey; and 41 Latino-serving health professionals completed an online survey. Results: Latina respondents demonstrated HPV and cervical cancer knowledge gain in post-surveys, and reported an increase in their intention to speak with someone about HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer. They were more likely to intend to obtain the HPV vaccine in the next month compared with pre-survey reports. Latinas reported that the webnovela was age-appropriate and interactive. Health professional respondents agreed the webnovela was informative and entertaining and useful to their Latina audiences. They also offered suggestions for improvement. Discussion: Our preliminary webnovela study indicates that this format would be well-received by, and motivational to, Latinas 18–26 years of age and the health professionals who serve them.