Table 1.

Summary of Key Findings for Each Educational Element

EDUCATIONAL ELEMENT	KEY FINDINGS
Element 1: Terminology related to the female reproductive system	The word cervix  Only 31% could define or locate the cervix when referred to in Spanish as el cerviz.  Equivalence was not commonly recognized between the terms cerviz, cuello (neck) and entrada (entrance) of the uterus.
	Common names for the uterus  49% preferred the term la matriz.  El vientre was used by 38%.  El utero was used by 11%.
	Overall reproductive system  Many women knew the words but not the organization of their female parts.
Element 2: The Purpose of the PAP	98% of women preferred descriptions of the PAP test that involved the concept of prevention and finding early pre-cancerous changes rather than a description that stated that the PAP was a test for cervical cancer.
	The word cell was often unfamiliar.
Element 3: HPV as Causal Factor	Few women knew of a viral link to cervical cancer and many did not know what a virus was.
	Some had heard about a vaccine for Papilloma virus.
	71% preferred the most complex description of HPV, including its sexual transmission.
Element 4: Meaning of the PAP Results	The terms positive and negative describing results often confused women.
	Women wanted detailed information about cellular changes and about next steps if they had abnormal results.
	All women wanted pictures with the words.
Element 5: Illustrations of Anatomy & PAP Exam	Women, even with low educational levels, were able to understand front and side view illustrations of reproductive anatomy with little help.
	Very few were offended by pelvic exam illustrations and most preferred a picture that was less modest in design, because “this is how it really is.”
	Magnified views of specific sections of an illustration were the most confusing for the women, requiring explanation.