271169 Risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) among college aged men

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sloane C. Burke, PhD, CHES , Health Sciences Department: MPH and Public Health Programs, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
Kyusuk Chung, PhD , Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
Karen Vail Smith, MA , Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with oral human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus-related incidences of oropharyngeal cancer have increased dramatically in the U.S. since 1984 (16% to 70% respectively). Among college-aged men, the odds of oral HPV infection occurring increases with increased number of recent oral sex partners and open-mouthed kissing partners. Other risk factors for HNSCC include tobacco and alcohol use and poor dental hygiene. This study assessed the prevalence of these HNSCC risk factors among N = 600 undergraduate college males. Increased use of alcohol, oral sexual activity, number of recent sexual partners, and open-mouthed kissing among multiple partners were all noted. Respondents reported lowered usage of condoms and dental dams. Significance was found (p<.05) among alcohol usage, open mouthed kissing and HPV. Implications for public health prevention programs for this population and study findings will be discussed.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Presentation attendees will be able to: 1) Identify at least 3 major findings from the study results. 2) List at least 3 risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) for college aged men 3) Discuss at least 2 prevention strategies to address this issue from a campus health and wellness perspective.

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified as an abstract author as I have a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and have been conducting college health research for over 10 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.

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