206368 HPV and cervical cancer knowledge among U.S. women: Are we making any health education strides?

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Cheryl A. Vamos, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ellen Daley, PhD, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Hollie J. Fuhrmann, MA , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Natalie D. Hernandez, MPH , College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Kay Perrin, PhD , Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Robert J. McDermott, PhD , Florida Prevention Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Background: Cervical cancer prevention efforts in the US are generally encouraging both because of Pap smear rates and an FDA-approved HPV vaccine for women; however, it is unclear whether women's HPV and Pap smear knowledge has improved despite public health advances.

Purpose: To explore women's HPV and Pap smear knowledge among pre- and post-HPV vaccine era populations.

Methods: Two groups of women completed identical paper-and-pencil surveys assessing HPV and Pap smear knowledge: 154 HPV+ women (pre-vaccine era population in 2005-2006) and 276 college women (post-vaccine era population in 2008; 4% who self-reported being HPV+). Frequencies and chi-squares were employed to compare differences.

Results: Among the pre- and post-vaccine women, 69% and 73% were white, 16% and 18% were Hispanic, 13% and 8% were Black, and 71% and 92% were unmarried, with a mean age of 23 and 19 years, respectively. The pre-vaccine women scored higher on a summary score of HPV knowledge questions, 86% versus 61% correct, and on a summary score of questions on what a Pap smear is for, 43% versus 29% correct, respectively. Only 75% of post-vaccine era women agreed that the Pap smear was a test for cervical cancer compared to 84% of pre-vaccine era women.

Conclusion: Although data indicate favorable rates of Pap smear screenings, HPV and Pap smear knowledge is lower among post-vaccine era women. Both groups demonstrated poor Pap smear knowledge. Such lack of knowledge presents challenges for cervical cancer prevention efforts. Clear health messages are needed to assist in these prevention strategies.

Learning Objectives:
1. Assess HPV knowledge among pre- and post-HPV vaccine female populations; 2. Assess Pap smear knowledge among pre- and post-HPV vaccine female populations; and 3. Identify differences in knowledge items that may assist in developing educational messages related to cervical cancer prevention.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research associate on the study.
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.

See more of: Reducing Barriers to Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control
See more of: Women's Caucus