Effects of a health communication campaign aiming to improve knowledge and beliefs about Human Papilloma Virus-related cancers in Adolescents from Colombia

Objectives. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexual transmitted disease worldwide. Cervical cancer is the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in Colombia. In Colombia, HPV vaccination safety has been questioned recently and public health actions are being encouraged. This study evaluated the effects of a health communication campaign on knowledge and beliefs about Human Papilloma Virus-related cancers and vaccination strategies in Adolescents from Bogotá, Colombia.

Methods. A total of 545 adolescents, females (72%) and males (28%), were recruited from the Department of Health Sciences at Saint Thomas University in Bogotá, Colombia. All participants were enrolled in a health-communication intervention (50 minutes) aimed to facilitate the knowledge and beliefs about Human Papilloma Virus-related cancers and vaccination strategies. Other supplementary materials were delivered during three weeks. Follow up was conducted at two and five months post-intervention. 

Results. Seventy five percent of participants identified HPV as a risk factor for cervical cancer. Rates were lower for oral cavity and anal related cancers. Although, 90% considered HPV vaccination to be safe, only 26% had completed the HPV vaccination series; 62.7% stated to know how to get a HPV test. After educational intervention, scores of knowledge about HPV-related cancers and HPV vaccination safety showed significant increases at follow-up periods (p<.05).

Conclusions. Knowledge and beliefs about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention are low among Colombian adolescents. This campaign increased knowledge and safety perceptions regarding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention in this group. Further public health strategies are encouraged.