Black cosmetologists promoting health program: Pilot study outcomes

Background. African Americans suffer a disproportionate burden of illness a nd premature mortality. Methods. A health education program delivered via c osmetologists was pilot tested as a supplement to other programs seeking to reach this community with information designed to remedy this inequality. Eight cosmetologists were randomized to either an active or a passive educa tional intervention arm, with the active arm (experimental arm) focused on breast cancer early detection. Results. Both cosmetologists and clients fou nd this an acceptable intervention. Nearly all women in the study demonstra ted that they hail heard the mainstream messages about the value of breast cancer early detection, but a considerable proportion appeared not to reali ze breast cancer's high level of morbidity and mortality within their own c ommunity. Conclusion. The results suggest this approach is worthy of furthe r evaluation.