Intervention to improve follow-up for abnormal Papanicolaou tests: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a theory-based, culturally targeted intervention on adherence to follow-up among low-income and minority women who experience an abnormal Pap test.

Method: 5,049 women were enrolled and underwent Pap testing. Of these, 378 had an abnormal result and 341 (90%) were randomized to one of three groups to receive their results: Intervention (I): culturally targeted behavioral and normative beliefs + knowledge/skills + salience + environmental constraints/barriers counseling; Active Control (AC): nontargeted behavioral and normative beliefs + knowledge/skills + salience + environmental constraints/barriers counseling; or Standard Care Only (SCO).

The effect of acculturation on progesterone/estriol ratios and preterm birth in Hispanics.

Objective: To examine the Hispanic acculturation paradox by identifying the effect of acculturation on serum progesterone and estriol levels, the progesterone/estriol ratio, and preterm birth.

Methods: We used an observational, prospective design with 468 self-identified, low-income, pregnant Hispanic women. We used the Language Proficiency Subscale (from the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics) to measure acculturation.

A patient-centered health care delivery system by a university obstetrics and gynecology department.

At the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, we developed an off-site clinic system that offers a wide array of services to low-income women and their infants over a large geographic area. These clinics strove toward cultural sensitivity and competency. This patient-centered approach was well accepted and appreciated by our patients.