Knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to HPV, cervical cancer, and vaccination against HPV in a low-income, uninsured, urban population (Olneyville, RI)

BACKGROUND HPV awareness is positively linked to intent to vaccinate. We evaluated Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding HPV vaccination at a free clinic for the uninsured in Olneyville, Rhode Island. METHODS Study participants were recruited, consented, and surveyed in the language of their preference (Spanish or English). Survey questions assessed HPV vaccine and cervical cancer KAP and willingness to vaccinate (WTV). An brief video on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer was administered at midpoint in the survey. RESULTS The 63 participants were predominantly Hispanic (78%) and most did not speak English. Two in five participants (38%) reported knowing what HPV was, yet four in five (82%) were unaware of any symptoms associated with HPV infection. Post-intervention, 92% understood the association between HPV and cervical cancer and 4 in 5 understood its potential to infect any age and sex. Nearly all (59/63) responded that they were capable of making the autonomous decision about HPV vaccination, 94% declared responsibility for advocating their children, and 99% would get vaccinated if given the opportunity. CONCLUSION In this diverse, uninsured population, despite low initial knowledge regarding HPV and its vaccine, an educational intervention was well accepted, and acceptance of the vaccine following the brief intervention was very high. This population group has historically had a low HPV vaccine acceptance rate and high cervical cancer prevalence among women. The results indicate that HPV vaccination would be well-accepted by the clinic population.