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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin, PhD, Rebeca Franco, MPH, Farida Hajiani, MBB, MPH, Caroline Omotoso, MBB, MPH, and The New York Physicians against Cancer. Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, 954, 525 W 120th Street, Mailbox 239, New York, NY 10027, 212-678-4024, ssg19@columbia.edu

Little is known about physician awareness of HPV DNA tests, or current screening practices, or intentions to vaccinate with the newly approved (7/06) HPV vaccine. This study was designed to examine awareness of HPV testing guidelines and screening practices among urban primary care physicians and their patients in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial U.S. community. Two hundred and seventy-five primary care, community (i.e., not hospital-based) physicians and 138 of their female patients (selected at random) were interviewed, and their screening practices compared, using logistic regression. Twenty three percent of primary care physicians routinely tested their female patients for HPV. Female physicians were almost twice as likely to routinely test for HPV than were male providers (OR=1.93, 95% CI, 1.03-3.06). Most physicians intended to use the HPV vaccine once it is FDA approved. Physicians who performed pelvic examinations on asymptomatic women (p=.03), and those who were more familiar with the HPV DNA screening guidelines were more likely to vaccinate (p=0.01) than were comparable others. Four percent of female patients of these physicians had been told about their risk of HPV infection; 66% of women intend to obtain an HPV vaccination once it is FDA approved. Women who have had more recent Pap tests have stronger intentions to obtain a vaccination than comparable women (p=.04). This is the first reported survey of HPV DNA testing and intended vaccination practices of both U.S. primary care physicians and their patients. Evidence-based, cost-effective strategies designed to increase appropriate HPV DNA testing and vaccinations are proposed.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the current HPV screening and testing practices of urban physicians in African American communities.
• To understand intentions regarding HPV testing among these health care providers.
• To explore decision aids for HPV vaccines appropriate to these health care providers and their patients.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Cervical Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No