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Abstract #156835

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Heather M. Brandt, PhD, CHES¹, Patricia A. Sharpe, PhD, MPH², Elizabeth Owl-Myers, FNP³, Betty Taylor, RN³, Glenda Mullins, RN³, Ericka L. Burroughs, MA, MPH², Michael Dickey, MPH, CHES⁴, and Donna H. McCree, PhD, MPH, RPh⁵. (1) Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 2221 Devine Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-734-4428, hbrandt@sc.edu, (2) Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Cherokee Women's Wellness Center, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, 876 Acquoni Road, PO Box 736, Cherokee, NC 28719, (4) Public Health Systems, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 1275 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005, (5) National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS E-37, Atlanta, GA 30303

Background: Little has been published about the knowledge and beliefs regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and its association with cervical cancer among American Indian (AI) women. The purpose was to explore HPV and cervical health knowledge among AI women to inform development of educational interventions.

Methods: Clinic staff and researchers developed a semi-structured, in-depth interview guide addressing HPV and cervical health. AI women (age 18-64) seeking care at an AI clinic who had a Pap test and were tested for high-risk HPV were recruited to participate in an in-depth interview conducted by a trained clinic nurse. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were managed in NVivo and analyzed to identify key themes.

Results: Among thirty-two women who completed the interview, 97% (n=31) self-reported abnormal Pap test result; 34% (n=11) self-reported HPV positivity; and 44% (n=14) had heard of HPV. Participants had a basic understanding of the Pap test, and some had knowledge of abnormal results and the link to cervical cancer. Participants exhibited low levels of HPV knowledge but wanted to learn more about cause, effect, and treatment, especially from their clinicians, whom they trust. Participants indicated high levels of acceptance of an HPV vaccine, but they desired more information on safety. Key themes also included participant's feelings about and reactions to abnormal Pap tests and HPV.

Discussion: Similar to previous clinic-based research with women, participants in this study demonstrated a low level of HPV knowledge and desired additional information. Opportunities exist to provide culturally-appropriate educational materials to address gaps in knowledge.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss HPV and cervical health knowledge among this sample of American Indian women;
• Recognize the value of partnerships when conducting research with American Indian tribal nations; and
• Describe implications of study findings in terms of next steps.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, American Indians

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Slides (pdf) or Handout