Investigating Bangladeshi Rural Women's Awareness and Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Attitude Towards HPV Vaccination: a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis.

ABSTRACTAimCervical cancer is still one of the most common cancers affecting females in India, leading to a lot of mortality and morbidity. Since it is a preventable cancer, the study is aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among medical students.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted among the medical students in a tertiary care center in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry, India. Three hundred students were administered a validated 53-point questionnaire regarding knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors, preventive measures, HPV vaccine, and screening tests. Data were kept confidential and the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16.ResultsThe results show 93.3% of students were aware that cervical cancer is caused by HPV, but only 61.4% knew that HPV vaccine was available. Majority of the students were uncertain about age group, number of doses, and side effects of vaccine. Only 11.74% felt the need to get vaccinated in future; 96.64% of students knew that pap smear was used to screen for cervical cancer, but only 57.72% opted to screen themselves or family members in future as they believed that they were not at risk. The common obstacle against vaccination was worry about complications, inadequate information, and efficacy of vaccine.ConclusionThe study showed that there were misconceptions among medical students regarding cervical cancer, vaccine, and screening, which have to be cleared. Creating awareness among health care workers on risk factors, vaccination, and current methods for cervical cancer screening is a necessary step toward implementing effective prevention programs in the society.How to cite this articleRathod S, Samal SK, Samal S, Ghose S. Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):41-44.

The incidence of cervical cancer (CCA) in Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific, is six times higher among Micronesians and over three times higher for CHamorus (Guam's indigenous people) and Caucasians living in Guam than the U.S. population. Educational interventions among college students who can still get the HPV vaccine, particularly among women below and about the age for initial CCA screening, is crucial. Our team designed and delivered a 20-30 minute presentation to college students in a classroom setting. Pre- and post-tests measured changes in knowledge and attitudes about CCA. Summary variables were computed for CCA and HPV Knowledge and Awareness. McNemar's test was used to compare knowledge and attitudes before and after the presentation. A total of 108 students completed the survey. Most participants were female (63.0%), juniors (44.4%), and identified as either CHamoru (36.1%) or Filipino (26.9%). A majority had a regular source of healthcare (77.8%), a primary physician (56.5%), and private health insurance (52.8%). Results show male and female students had similar pre- and posttest scores. Among ethnic groups, Caucasians had the highest pretest scores and non-CHamoru Pacific Islanders had the lowest. All ethnic groups had statistically significant increases in CCA Knowledge and Awareness scores after the presentation. Three individual one-way ANOVAs with gender, ethnicity and class level as the factors were performed using the different total scores of the CCA and HPV Knowledge and Awareness as the dependent variables. There was no significant difference interaction between gender (F=0.498, p=0.482), class level (F=0.371, p=0.774), or ethnicity (F=0.398, p=0.810). However, the results showed a significant main effect of Time on CCA Knowledge and Awareness (p<0.001). There was a significant increase for all independent variables in CCA and HPV Knowledge and Awareness from pre- to post-test. The McNemar test shows that there are significant positive differences in the proportion of correct responses to most of the questions between the pre- and posttest. The percentage of correct answers to questions related to symptoms and causes of CCA, the increased risk caused by HPV, and the prevention of CCA through routine screening was already high at pretest so the difference was not significant. Overall, study participants perceived the presentation an effective tool to educate individuals about CCA. Before the presentation, 63.9% rated their general knowledge about CC as neutral or unknowledgeable. After the presentation, this decreased to 11.1%. This type of educational intervention for CCA is critical for this age group, since most can still get the HPV vaccine and women are at the age of initial CCA screening. This study shows that the college setting is an appropriate venue to increase CCA and HPV awareness and potentially impact HPV vaccination for females. Future studies should test presentation paired with opportunities for HPV vaccination via college or public health services. Citation Format: Lilnabeth P. Somera, Tressa P. Diaz, Angelina Mummert, Jaeyung Choi, Kristian Ayson, Grazyna Badowski. Cervical cancer and HPV knowledge and awareness: An educational intervention among college students in Guam [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-068.

This study assessed human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness among women in two sub-populations in Nepal - Khokana, a traditional Newari village in the Lalitpur District about eight kilometers south of Kathmandu, and Sanphebagar, a village development committee within Achham District in rural Far-Western Nepal. Study participants were recruited during health camps conducted by Nepal Fertility Care Center, a Nepali non-governmental organization. Experienced staff administered a Nepali language survey instrument that included questions on socio-demographics, reproductive health and knowledge on HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine. Of the 749 participants, 387 (51.7%) were from Khokana and 362 (48.3%) were from Sanphebagar. Overall, 53.3% (n=372) of women were aware of cervical cancer with a significant difference between Khokana and Sanphebagar (63.3% vs 43.0%; p=0.001). Overall, 15.4% (n=107) of women had heard of HPV and 32% (n=34) of these women reported having heard of the HPV vaccine. If freely available, 77.5% of the women reported willingness to have their children vaccinated against HPV. Factors associated with cervical cancer awareness included knowledge of HPV (Khokana: Odds Ratio (OR)=24.5; (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.1-190.2, Sanphebagar: OR=14.8; 95% CI: 3.7-58.4)) and sexually transmitted infections (Khokana: OR=6.18; 95% CI: 3.1-12.4; Sanphebagar: OR=17.0; 95% CI: 7.3- 39.7) among other risk factors. Knowledge and awareness of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine remains low among women in Khokana and Sanphebagar. Acceptance of a freely available HPV vaccine for children was high, indicating potentially high uptake rates in these communities.

To asses the level of awareness and knowledge of Human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer (CC) and Human papilomavirus vaccine (HPVV) among adolescents in senior secondary school in Ibadan North, Nigeria. This cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 160 female and male adolescents in two private and two public senior secondary school of Ibadan North Local Government. A semi-structured questionnaire which included questions relating to level of awareness and knowledge of Human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccine was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test (p<0.05). Respondents' mean age was 13.0±1.7 year and more than half of the respondents were female (51.9%), majority of the respondents were in grade 10 (39.4%) and grade 12(33.8%) respectively, 87.3% of the respondents live with both parents. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents have heard of HPV, the main sources of information were from school (41.2%),mass media (27.5%) and seminar attended (13.7%) respectively,32% of the respondents knew that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection,31.8% acknowledge it as viral infection and 35.8% agreed that it can infect both male and female,41.9% agreed that it transmitted through sharing of toiletries and sharp objects,30% were aware that it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse while 28% of the respondents believed that early age of sexual debut is a risk factor and having multiple sexual partners predisposes to HPV infection while 29.4% of the respondents agreed that engaging in an unprotected sex is a risk factor for transmitting HPV infection. However, 41.3% of the respondents who were aware and knowledgeable that abstinence is a good measure for preventing HPV infection. Only 15.6% have heard of HPVV, 18.8% were aware that it can prevent it and HPVV is meant for both male and female. Living with parent and being in either private or public school was not statistical significant with the knowledge of HPV (p>0.70), categories of classes of the respondent was not significantly associated with their knowledge of HPV vaccine (p>0.63), there is significant relationship between the gender and awareness that having multiple sexual partner predisposes to HPV (p<0.009). Level of awareness and knowledge of HPV infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine were very low among the adolescents, programmers that promote knowledge should be incorporated into the curriculum, teachers of various school be updated. Keywords: Human papillomavirus infection, adolescents, HPV vaccine, knowledge Citation Format: OLUBUNMI OLABISI ADETULE. AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF HUMANPAPILLOMAVIRUS AND HPV VACCINE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN NORTH IBADAN, NIGERIA: A PREVENTIVE TOOL FOR FUTURE LEADERS. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A60.

6 Background: Cervical cancer is causing a burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with human papillomavirus (HPV) identified as the necessary cause of cervical cancer. HPV mainly affects young women, which puts female university students at risk of cervical cancer. Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, is poor. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV in University of Gondar medicine and health science female students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 30, 2016, at University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia. Undergraduate female students from 11 different health-related departments at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were included in the study. A 14-item, paper-based, self-administered questionnaire was provided to each of the participants to measure her level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and HPV. Results: A total of 267 female students participated in the study, with ages ranging from 18 to 24 years (mean age, 20.58 ± 1.22 years). More than one half of participants (59.6%) stated that they did not know the main cause of cervical cancer, whereas only approximately one fifth (19.5%) identified HPV as the main cause of cervical cancer. As many as 83.9% of participants did not know other causes of cervical cancer. Binary logistic analysis revealed that students from midwifery (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 14.14; P < .05), anesthesiology (AOR, 9.66; P < .05), and medicine (AOR, 5.84; P < .05) departments were associated with knowledge of the main cause of cervical cancer. Furthermore, fifth-year students (AOR, 16.94; P < .05) and fourth-year students (AOR, 8.32; P < .05) were found to have better knowledge of the main cause of cervical cancer. Only a few students (15%) had been vaccinated for HPV or had had a cervical smear test performed in the past. Conclusion: Cervical cancer mainly affects young women, which puts female university students at risk of cervical cancer. Hence, assessing the knowledge and awareness of these students will be of paramount importance to designing effective measures to increase their knowledge and awareness of the disease. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No COIs from the authors.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Saudi women regarding cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and corresponding vaccine

To study the impact of health education about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among women and to assess the causes for lack of awareness regarding HPV vaccination and lack of willingness in women to take the HPV vaccination. The study was carried out in the rural field practice area of Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India, and was performed among 257 women aged between 15 and 45 years. The study subjects were recruited by a house-to-house survey. A pretest regarding knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was conducted. Intervention in the form of health education on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was imparted. After a gap of 1 week, a posttest was conducted. In the baseline survey, 17% of the participants were aware of cervical cancer, 1.16% knew that HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer, and 1.55% were aware of HPV vaccination. After the health education, all the participants became aware of cervical cancer, 45.52% became aware that HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer, and 99.22% became aware of HPV vaccination. Among the women who were aware, 11.67% were willing to take HPV vaccination and 73.15% cited high cost of the vaccine as the reason for not taking the vaccination. Health education played a major role in increasing the awareness of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. The high cost of the vaccine formed a major barrier to its implementation.

Caribbean women experience a cervical cancer incidence rate that is three times higher than that among their North American counterparts. In this study, we performed a needs assessment of the knowledge and awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer and receipt of cervical cancer screening among an indigenous Caribbean community. We purposively recruited individuals aged ≥18 from a community health care clinic (n = 58) to complete a 57-item structured interview including items on demographics, cancer history, knowledge and awareness of HPV, HPV vaccines, cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening. Participants’ mean age was 47.1 years (SD: 14.4). Most were female (74.1%), were married/partnered (51.7%), had primary education (63.8%), and identified as Kalinago (72.4%). Whereas 79.5% had heard of cervical cancer, few had heard of HPV (19.6%) or the HPV vaccine (21.8%). Among those who knew someone with cancer, 90.9% had heard of the HPV vaccine, compared with only 9.1% of those who did not know anyone with cancer (p = 0.02). Access to HPV vaccination is an immediate, cost-effective cancer prevention priority for reducing the disproportionate burden of HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, in the Caribbean. We recommend culturally targeted education interventions to improve knowledge about HPV vaccination and the link between HPV and cervical cancer.

ObjectivesWe assessed the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness and acceptability to vaccinate in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. We further identified countries that fulfill the two GAVI Alliance eligibility criteria to support nationwide HPV vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies on the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness and acceptability to vaccinate. Trends in Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine coverage in SSA countries from 1990–2011 were extracted from the World Health Organization database.FindingsThe review revealed high levels of willingness and acceptability of HPV vaccine but low levels of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, HPV or HPV vaccine. We identified only six countries to have met the two GAVI Alliance requirements for supporting introduction of HPV vaccine: 1) the ability to deliver multi-dose vaccines for no less than 50% of the target vaccination cohort in an average size district, and 2) achieving over 70% coverage of DTP3 vaccine nationally. From 2008 through 2011 all SSA countries, with the exception of Mauritania and Nigeria, have reached or maintained DTP3 coverage at 70% or above.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for more education to inform the public about HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer, particularly to key demographics, (adolescents, parents and healthcare professionals), to leverage high levels of willingness and acceptability of HPV vaccine towards successful implementation of HPV vaccination programs. There is unpreparedness in most SSA countries to roll out national HPV vaccination as per the GAVI Alliance eligibility criteria for supporting introduction of the vaccine. In countries that have met 70% DTP3 coverage, pilot programs need to be rolled out to identify the best practice and strategies for delivering HPV vaccines to adolescents and also to qualify for GAVI Alliance support.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Ghana is a low-middle- income country with annual diagnosed cases of 3,151 and 2,119 deaths. The high prevalence rate of cervical cancer in Ghana is mainly due to ineffective preventive measures and insufficient knowledge about the disease. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and attitude toward human papillomavirus and its vaccine among Ghanaians.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey on the awareness of cervical cancer and attitude toward human papillomavirus and its vaccine was carried out from March 2019 to February 2020. SPSS v. 23.0 was used in the data analysis. The participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical carcinoma, human papillomavirus vaccine and HPV, and the likelihood to be vaccinated were represented as percentages and frequencies. The difference between males and females was assessed using the chi-square test. The logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of possible related indicators with the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 1,376 participants were involved in the final analysis. Among the 1,376 participants involved in this survey, 1,240 participants (90.1%) representing 456 males (33.1%) and 784 females (57.0%) were aware of the terminology “cervical cancer” with a significant p = 0.001. When stratified by gender, women had significantly greater knowledge, compared to men in terms of “cervical cancer being common in middle age (35–50) females” (75.5 vs. 67.5%, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). When stratified by gender, women had significantly greater knowledge of human papillomavirus (54.5 vs. 43.6%, respectively, p < 0.001) and the human papillomavirus vaccine (39.3 vs. 33.1%, respectively, p = 0.019) compared to men.Conclusion: Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms, HPV, and its vaccine. Hence, this indicates a wakeup call for government to increase the awareness and knowledge level via the media and health professionals.

BackgroundIt is important to understand the knowledge that various groups of a population have about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) and their attitudes toward HPV vaccination, as it will ultimately influence their decision-making for or against the acceptability of vaccines and other preventive methods. This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine among Chinese women in Yunnan province.Material/MethodsA survey was conducted in Yunnan province by the Laboratory of Molecular Virology in collaboration with the Yunnan First People’s Hospital in Feb 2015. A total of 388 women were recruited and asked to participate in a questionnaire-based interview that collected information related to their awareness and knowledge about: (1) cervical cancer, (2) HPV and HPV vaccine and willingness to have their children receive vaccination, and (3) demographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 388 HPV-positive women were included; 300/388 (73.3%) were Han, and 88/388 (22.7%) were other ethnicities. Overall, 204/388 (52.6%) of the women were aware of cervical cancer, with a significant difference between Han women and women of other ethnic groups (168/388, 56.0% and 36/88, 40.9%; P=0.015). Overall, 26.5% of the women were aware of the role of HPV in cervical cancer; 29.0% of the Han women and 18.2% of women of other ethnic groups were aware of this role of HPV (P=0.05). The knowledge that HPV infection leads to cervical cancer was higher among Han women (29.0%) compared to women of other ethnicities (18.2%). Knowledge about the HPV vaccine was very low in all ethnic groups, but the Han women were more willing to allow their children to be vaccinated before they become sexually active. A similar difference has also been found in women from various regions.ConclusionsAlthough level of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer was moderate, knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine was very low. Targeted communication is very important among populations in which knowledge gaps exist in order to promote dialogue about the vaccine among patients and their healthcare providers.

Background: Cervical cancer poses a significant disease burden on the public health system, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as India, which is responsible for almost one-fifth of cervical cancer cases reported globally. The primary causative factor is the persistent Infection caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18. Pap smear screening and HPV vaccination are primary prevention methods, yet awareness of both measures and participation levels remain low, even among urban populations with easier access to healthcare than rural populations. Purpose: This article aims to evaluate urban women's level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening and HPV infection, particularly in regard to barriers to the effective uptake of preventive practice. Methodology: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional design that took place over a year, enrolling 96 urban women aged 21-65 years who were identified from a tertiary care hospital in Bihar, India. Data were collected using the pretested structured questionnaire through a 'face-to-face interview' that provided sociodemographic data along with questions related to cervical cancer knowledge, Pap smear screening, and HPV. Statistical analysis was done using a SPSS v27 version, with significance level set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Low levels of initial awareness of cervical cancer risk factors, Pap smear screening, and HPV infection were evident. Significant barriers that influenced screening and vaccination uptake included misconceptions, cultural stigma, and a lack of sufficient counselling. Conclusion: There are significant gaps in knowledge for urban women on cervical cancer prevention. There is an urgent need for programs delivering community education, the provision of affordable screening programs, and timely HPV vaccination campaigns to be offered to communities to manage the disease burden.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the association between awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine and intention to vaccinate preteens and teens against HPV. Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and results in 14 million new cases each year. Around 50% of new HPV infections occur among persons aged 15-24 years old. Cervical cancer is primarily attributable to HPV, and the yearly cost of cervical cancer screening as well as treatment of HPV-related diseases is around $8 billion. In 2009, around 35,000 HPV-related cancers were reported in the United States. The level of coverage for 3 HPV vaccine doses for females aged 13-15 years was only 30% in 2011. This is far below the 80% target coverage level set by Healthy People 2020. The 2013 National Immunization Survey-Teen found that only 50% of Maryland females aged 13-17 years and only 34.2% of male adolescents reported beginning the HPV vaccine series. According to the 2013 Maryland Cancer Data, Maryland had the 25th highest cervical cancer mortality rate from 2006-2010. During these years, more black women were diagnosed with cervical cancer than White women, and their rate of cervical cancer incidence has been increasing at a rate of 4.9% more per year than white women. We investigate the relationship between HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine awareness and intention to vaccinate preteens and teens against HPV. Methods: Utilizing the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR), the Johns Hopkins Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities, in collaboration with its Community Advisory Groups in Baltimore City and Prince George's County, developed and implemented a survey to assess the knowledge, awareness and behavioral intentions on cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine. The study was approved by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's Institutional Review Board and implemented between March 2015 and July 2015 in Baltimore City and Prince George's County. Four hundred and three individuals recruited through community events completed the assessment. Upon completion of the assessment, participants were given feedback on their responses to address any knowledge gap and educational materials. Binary and multinomial logistic regression were used to determine the association between awareness of HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine and intention to vaccinate children between the ages of 11 and 18 years against HPV. Results: The majority of study participants were female (78%), black or African American (87%), have at least one year of college or technical school (55%) and have an annual household income of less $20,000 (38%). Awareness of the existing of HPV vaccine is significantly associated (OR=2.54, P&amp;lt;0.0007, CI 1.487-4.355) with the intention to vaccinate children against HPV. We also found that individuals who never heard of the HPV vaccine are significantly less likely (OR=0.394, p&amp;lt;0.0007, CI 0.230-0.673) to vaccinate their children against HPV than those who have heard of the vaccine. Furthermore, those who are aware of HPV are significantly more likely to know that HPV can cause cervical cancer (OR=5.25, P&amp;lt;0.0001, CI 3.272-8.454) and to know that HPV is transmitted through sexual contact (OR=3.66, P&amp;lt;0.0001, CI 2.199-6.100) compared to those who never heard of HPV. Conclusion: Awareness of HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine are significantly associated the intention to vaccinate children between the ages of 11 and 18 years against HPV. Increasing knowledge of cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination among parents and caretakers of preteens and teens have the potential to increase the rates of HPV vaccination and prevent future cervical cancers. More research is needed to explore other factors that are related to HPV vaccination. Citation Format: Ahmed Elmi, Saad Tassaduq, Olive Mbah, Ashleigh DeFries, Lee Bone, Anjani Kapadia, Theron Scott, Nichole Tuite, Adrian Dobs. Challenges and opportunities for increasing the rates of HPV vaccination. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A86.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common gynecological malignancy in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with increased risk associated with select serotypes HPV 16 and 18. This study assesses cervical cancer awareness, knowledge of HPV, and attitudes towards vaccination among a convenience sample of San Francisco State University (SFSU) students. Despite the availability of effective HPV vaccines and associated cervical cancer prevention, vaccine uptake remains relatively low which may be due to various factors, including lack of awareness and vaccine knowledge. A convenience sample survey assessing cervical cancer awareness, behaviors and attitudes about HPV vaccine was administered to students on the San Francisco State University campus. The data was collected anonymously, via QR code. Participants received a $10 Target gift card. At completion of the survey, a 5x7 information card about Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccines, developed by and for college students, was distributed to participants. A total of 100 students completed the survey. Participants average age was 23-24 years old; 60% of participants identified as female; 34% as male. The vast majority of participants were aware of cervical cancer. Among 60 female respondents, 25 (42%) reported having had a pap smear, but a larger proportion had not. Of the female participants over age 21 years old, 12 out of 62 had never had a pap smear. 39% of respondents were not aware of the HPV vaccine and its relationship to cervical cancer prevention. There was a large difference in HPV vaccine awareness by gender and age. Of the 60 female respondents, 20 had reported being unaware of the HPV vaccine, while 17 of the 34 male respondents also reported being unaware. At completion of the survey, two-thirds of respondents reported a plan to receive a pap smear as recommended. 16% said they will not, and 21% were unsure. Our survey set out to understand the distribution of knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behaviors about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination on the SF State college campus. We found that most students on our campus are aware of cervical cancer. However, a small proportion of participants eligible for pap smears have yet to undergo the procedure. Our research also revealed that there is a lack of understanding regarding the importance of HPV vaccination, with significant differences in awareness by gender and age. This study underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives on cervical cancer awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards HPV and its vaccine. To improve awareness and preventive actions, we can; increase the efforts to educate the public about the importance of HPV vaccinations and regular Pap smears and improve access to vaccination and screening services. Addressing gaps in knowledge and negative impressions of HPV vaccine can lead to the ultimate eradication of CC as we know it. Citation Format: Elissa I. Sanders, Kim F. Rhoads, Suzana Beyene. Cervical cancer awareness, knowledge, and attitudes in young adult students on a Northern California college campus [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A116.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common HPV-associated cancer, and Korean Americans (KAs) experience one of the highest CC incidence and mortality rates among Asian Americans. Awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine are essential in preventing HPV-associated cancers; however, studies emphasize low HPV awareness and knowledge among KAs. Although HPV causes cancers in both men and women, there exist misconceptions that the HPV vaccine is only for women and not for men. Furthermore, research on HPV vaccination among KAs has been conducted mostly among women. The health belief model (HBM) is a value-expectancy theory that is used to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors and has been used in multiple studies that aimed to understand HPV vaccination behavior. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an HBM guided text messaging program to increase HPV awareness, knowledge, and HPV vaccination among Korean young adults in the U.S. Methods: A total of 10 Korean young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 completed the mixed methods study. The survey examined HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer awareness and knowledge, beliefs, and vaccination intention. The qualitative interview with cognitive response testing (CRT) of the text messages, which were preconstructed based on previous literature and six constructs of HBM, allowed participants to provide feedback on the comprehension and emotional response to the messages, and any other recommendations to improve the content and delivery of the messages. Results: All participants (N=10) indicated to have never received the HPV vaccine and most participants had no intention to receive the HPV vaccine within one year. Although most of the participants were aware of HPV and HPV vaccine, overall knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer were low. The interviews revealed that reasons for vaccine hesitancy and non-vaccination included cost, inconvenience, and low perceived susceptibility. Especially, there was low perception of the importance of HPV vaccination for males. Overall, findings from the CRT showed that there was a clear understanding of the preconstructed text messages. There was a consensus on the duration and timing of the messages and participants provided recommendations on the content, tone, and structure of the messages. Using the HBM, participants’ feedback on HPV awareness, knowledge, and vaccination intention, the text messaging library was revised and includes a total of 9 text messages over the four days. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the development of an educational text messaging program among Korean young adults in the U.S. Current study will build a foundation for an educational mobile health program to help increase awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV-associated cancers, as well as HPV vaccination intention, and impact HPV-associated cancer rates among KAs through vaccination in the long term. Citation Format: Min Jeong Jeon, Daisy Le. Development of an educational text messaging program to improve human papillomavirus awareness, knowledge, and vaccination intention among Korean young adults in the U.S. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C101.