About Us
The WE-CAN Approach
The WE-CAN project builds on a foundation of extensive research, particularly in South Asian communities in Canada. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of arts-based strategies in promoting health literacy and reducing stigma. The integration of HPV self-sampling has shown promise in increasing screening uptake among underserved populations.
Our research plan and methodology follow the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, ensuring a thorough assessment of public health programs with a specific focus on low-income under or never-screened women in both rural and urban settings, along with the supportive men in their lives.
Key Objectives
- Reach: Evaluate the reach of the WE-CAN intervention among target populations.
- Effectiveness: Assess the effectiveness of the intervention in combating cervical cancer.
- Adoption: Gauge support for the cultural adoption of WE-CAN among stakeholders.
- Implementation: Evaluate the implementation process, including fidelity, contextual factors, and outcomes.
- Maintenance: Understand the requirements for the maintenance and sustainability of HPV and cervical cancer literacy, as well as the adoption of self-sampling for cervical cancer prevention.
Implementation
WE-CAN has been rolled out in eight regions in India, selected based on a high prevalence of advanced cervical cancer. The intervention involves Arts-Based Cervical Cancer Education (ACCE), a Movie Matinee, and HPV Self-Sampling (HPV-SS).
Emphasizing a community-based, action-oriented approach, WE-CAN collaborates with local stakeholders. The study team comprises bilingual project managers, research assistants, graduate trainees, regional research coordinators, community medico-social workers, and community primary care workers.
Data Collection and Analysis
Utilizing mixed methods, including questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews, we will collect rich qualitative and quantitative data on the processes and outcomes of the intervention. Our analysis, guided by the RE-AIM framework, will assess screening outcomes.