HPV Knowledge Research Articles

Understanding the effect of new U.S. cervical cancer screening guidelines and modalities on patients’ comprehension and reporting of their cervical cancer screening behavior

With recent shifts in guideline-recommended cervical cancer screening in the U.S., it is important to accurately measure screening behavior. Previous studies have indicated the U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a resource for measuring self-reported screening adherence, has lower validity among non-White racial/ethnic groups and non-English speakers. Further, measuring diverse population groups’ comprehension of items and attitudes toward HPV self-sampling merits investigation as it is a modality likely to be recommended in the U.S. soon. This study cognitively tested NHIS items assessing recency of and reasons for receiving cervical cancer screening and attitudes toward HPV self-sampling. We conducted cognitive interviews between April 2021 - April 2022 in English and Spanish with individuals screened in the past two years by either a medical center in metropolitan Seattle, Washington or a safety-net healthcare system in Dallas, Texas. Interviews probed understanding of reasons for screening, experiences with abnormal results, and interest in HPV self-sampling. We completed 32 interviews in Seattle and 42 interviews in Dallas. A majority of participants were unaware that two different tests for cervical cancer screening exist (Pap and HPV). Many did not know which type(s) of test they received. Dallas participants had more limited and inaccurate knowledge of HPV compared to Seattle participants, and fewer responded favorably toward HPV self-sampling (32% vs. 55%). To improve comprehension and accurate reporting of cervical cancer screening, we suggest specific refinements to currently used survey questions. Attitudes toward self-sampling should be explored further as differences may exist by region and/or sociodemographic factors.

School-Based Interventions on Human Papillomavirus in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review

School-age youth constitute a neglected but highly vulnerable group concerning sexual health risks in low-resource countries. Robust evidence concerning the research landscape of school-based interventions on human papillomavirus in Africa is currently lacking. Therefore, this systematic scoping review (SSR) aims to map evidence about school-based HPV interventions and identify emerging themes, gaps and lessons learned in Africa. This review was guided by Joanna Brigg’s Institute’s guidelines for SSRs and reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis for Scoping Reviews. Five databases—PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Allied and Complementary Medicine—were searched for relevant literature using appropriate search terms and Boolean operators. The retrieved literature was extracted, deduplicated and screened using the Rayyan software. Only those articles which met the eligibility criteria were included for data charting, collation, and summarization. Ten articles were included in this review. The articles demonstrate that a life-course approach is significant in health intervention. School-based health interventions help reach adolescents in a dynamic life stage, affecting their vulnerability to sexual health risks. The school-based interventions serve as an ideal platform to offer HPV peer education, improving their HPV knowledge and subsequent testing services and enhancing their acceptability for screening and vaccination. Cervical cancer education and screening can be effectively combined in HPV health services for women. While the studies are geographically diverse, such effective interventions, which help reduce bottlenecks in accessing HPV screening and vaccination, are very few in Africa. In conclusion, school-based intervention is a viable strategy that can be adopted for adolescent protection from HPV-induced diseases. However, the current evidence on the impact of these interventions, particularly HPV vaccination, is inadequate.

Predictor of HPV Vaccination Uptake among Foreign-Born College Students in the U.S.: An Exploration of the Role of Acculturation and the Health Belief Model.

to measure the HPV vaccination rate and knowledge about HPV and its vaccine among foreign-born college students; additionally, to measure the effect of acculturation and HBM constructs on the HPV vaccination behavior among foreign-born college students. a cross-sectional design with a non-probability sample of foreign-born college students was collected via a web-based self-administered survey that measured the HPV vaccination rate, assessed knowledge about HPV and its vaccine, and evaluated the effect of acculturation and HBM constructs on HPV vaccination behavior among foreign-born college students. Foreign-born college students had moderate knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine, and about 63% were HPV-vaccinated. Perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and cues to action were significantly associated with the HPV vaccination behavior, while knowledge levels about HPV and the HPV vaccine and acculturation levels were not significantly associated with the HPV vaccination behavior of foreign-born college students. The current study shows a moderate vaccination rate and moderate knowledge about HPV and its vaccine among foreign-born college students. Additionally, vaccination campaigns need to increase awareness about the susceptibility to acquiring HPV and minimize the barriers to receiving the vaccine to increase the HPV vaccination rate among foreign-born college students.

Cervical Cancer and HPV Knowledge and Awareness: An Educational Intervention among College Students in Guam.

Compared to the U.S. population, cervical cancer (CC) incidence is significantly higher among the CHamoru, Micronesian, and Caucasian populations in Guam. From 2008-2012, CC was the fifth most common cancer diagnosed on the island. Despite the prevalence of CC and low HPV vaccine uptake, there is a concerning lack of awareness and preventative behavior among young adults. This study was aimed at influencing college students' knowledge and awareness of CC, CC screening, HPV, and the HPV vaccination. We delivered a 30-minute educational intervention to a sample of 108 university students in a classroom setting. The effect of the educational intervention was measured through a pre-and post-test on CC and HPV health behaviors, knowledge, and awareness. Results were analyzed using SPSS and an exact McNemar's test was used to examine the difference in the proportion of correct answers to the tests. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used to examine between (gender, ethnicity, and class level) and within subjects (pre-and post-test) program effects. Of the 108 participants, only 39 (36.1%) reported being vaccinated for HPV, 23 (21.3%) had not been vaccinated, and 46 (42.6%) did not know if they had been vaccinated for HPV. Only forty-one (60.3%) female participants had had a Pap smear. When comparing the pre-to-posttest responses, most questions had an increase in correct responses. Time also influenced CCA and HPV knowledge and awareness scores as there was a significant increase in scores from the pre- to post-test. The educational intervention was an effective tool for increasing knowledge and awareness of CC, HPV, and HPV vaccination among college students. While study results demonstrate the educational intervention's success as a baseline measure of knowledge, the inclusion of behavioral outcome measures, such as intent to get vaccinated or screened, could result in more robust future studies.

Synergistic effect of sorafenib with Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extract on cervical cancer

The extracts of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco leaves have shown promising anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potency with the traditional knowledge of healing HPV associated warts. The purpose of this research is to assess the synergistic activity of sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extraction on cervical cancer cells. The cytotoxicity efficiency of different concentrations of Sorafenib and ethanol extract of Platycladus orientalis (L.) leaves were tested on HeLa cells by MTT and Trypan blue assays. The synergistic effect of the IC50 concentrations of Sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L.) on HeLa cell by MTT assay, and mRNA expression levels of tumor suppressor tazarotene-induced gene 3 (TIG3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene and apoptosis modulator (Bcl-2) gene by RT-PCR were evaluated with individual treatments. Combination treatment showed a relatively more expression of TIG3 and less expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA was observed. Growth factor-induced MAPKP activation was arrested by compound combination treatment, which and suppression of proliferation-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Based on the our results, the combination of sorafenib and crude leaf extract from Platycladus orientalis (L.) can effectively suppress cervical cancer cell growth, thereby providing an interesting rationale for further clinical trials and in-vivo studies.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards HPV vaccination among reproductive age women in a HIV hotspot in the US.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the US, responsible for cervical cancer and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. Despite an effective HPV vaccine, women's HPV vaccination coverage and rates remain far below desired levels. This study aimed to evaluate HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age living in Miami, Florida, a Southern US city with a high incidence of STIs and low HPV vaccination coverage. From April to June 2022, 100 HIV-negative, cisgender, sexually active women aged 18-45 years were recruited from the Miami community. Participants completed validated questionnaires using REDCap© electronic surveys, assessing socio-demographics and sexual behaviors; HPV knowledge, screening, vaccination practices; barriers and motivators to HPV vaccination. A cumulative HPV knowledge score (HPV score) was generated. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, studentized t-test, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and 84 who knew their vaccination status were included in the analysis. Of these, 43 reported receiving at least 1 HPV vaccine dose (vaccinated group) and 41 reported never being vaccinated (unvaccinated group). Mean age was 24.7 (SD 4.03) years for the vaccinated group and 31.4 (SD 8.33) for the unvaccinated group. Mean HPV score was 18.9/29 (SD 6.05) for the vaccinated group and 9.1/29 (SD 8.82) for the unvaccinated group. Amongst vaccinated participants, 76.74% reported a history of HPV/Pap smear screening vs 87.80% in the unvaccinated group. Barriers to HPV vaccination included: 14.6% low-risk perception, 29.3% healthcare barriers, and 46.3% vaccine hesitancy and personal beliefs. Motivators t HPV vaccination included: risk perception and vaccine beliefs (71.42%), healthcare-related (60.71%) and social motivators (55.95%). In the first MLR, one-point increases in HPV score were significantly associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination until an HPV score of 16, and a one-year increase in age was associated with a 16% lower odds of HPV vaccination (aOR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.72, 0.99]; p = 0.035). Contraception use was also associated with HPV vaccination (aOR 8.36 (95% CI [1.41, 49.62]; p = 0.020). Race, ethnicity, college education status, and number of sexual partners were not significant predictors of HPV vaccination. In the second MLR evaluating vaccination motivators as predictors of HPV vaccination, we found that individuals who were motivated by healthcare had 3.03 (95% CI [1.02, 9.00]; p = 0.046) times the odds of HPV vaccination compared to individuals without healthcare-related motivators. Findings suggest suboptimal HPV knowledge and low vaccination rates among women of reproductive age. Public health efforts should focus on increasing basic HPV knowledge among women with little-to-no HPV knowledge to increase vaccine uptake.

The impact of exposure to HPV related information and injunctive norms on young women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine in China: A structural equation model based on KAP theory.

The HPV vaccination is a crucial line of defensing against cervical cancer. As a result of government support and positive publicity from the majority of media, a craze for HPV vaccination has occurred in China. Besides, the intentions to get the HPV vaccine among women of appropriate age is also influenced by families' and friends' attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccine. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how HPV related information exposure and injunctive norms affect young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine. A structural equation model was developed based on KAP theory, and 567 effective questionnaires were collected through an online survey. We used SPSS 26.0 for the reliability and validity analysis and the differential testing of demographic characteristics, and Amos 26.0 for the goodness-of-fit analysis and paths testing of the model. Our findings showed that (1) intention to receive HPV vaccine differed significantly in age (P = 0.046), educational background (P = 0.001), and occupation (P = 0.004). (2) Exposure to HPV related information positively affected knowledge about HPV (β = 0.316, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.141, P < 0.001). (3) Knowledge about HPV positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β=0.341, P < 0.001), but negatively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = -0.148, P < 0.05), and attitude toward HPV vaccine positively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.594, P < 0.001). (4) Injunctive norms positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β = 0.362, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.420, P < 0.001). Exposure to HPV related information influenced young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine and related knowledge, that is, the more frequently they were exposed to HPV related information, the stronger their intentions to receive the vaccine and the higher their HPV knowledge. Also, the perception and support of HPV vaccination by people around them will further influence their attitudes and intentions to receive the HPV vaccine.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding HPV-related diseases and vaccination among the general public in Guizhou Province of China

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) type-related diseases pose an ongoing health challenge in China. In this study, we assessed the current views of the general public of the Guizhou Province on HPV and HPV vaccinations to provide recommendations for future directions regarding the rollout of HPV vaccination in the area. MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted that included 3412 (2532 females and 880 males) native adult residents of the Guizhou Province. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV, and perceptions of HPV vaccinations were collected. Data comparisons were made between students and non-students and between participants with and without medical backgrounds. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. ResultsThe self-reported HPV infection rates were 5.85% in women and 0.86% in men. A total of 46.29% of women and 34.43% of men achieved acceptable knowledge levels of HPV and 47.54% of women possessed an acceptable knowledge level of HPV vaccines. Non-students and medical participants performed significantly better in the knowledge tests than their respective opposing groups. Online media was the most popular HPV information source for all the participants. A total of 93.58% of women and 87.88% of men expressed willingness toward HPV vaccination. The major facilitators of vaccination acceptance were females (OR = 1.932, 95% CI: 1.390–2.685, p < 0.001) or students (OR = 2.276, 95% CI: 1.207–4.291, p = 0.011), and participants with higher HPV knowledge level (OR = 1.796, 95% CI: 1.300–2.481, p < 0.001). Ages 41–50 (OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.121–0.538, p = 0.001) or > 50 (OR = 0.141, 95% CI: 0.059–0.337, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of a negative attitude towards HPV vaccination. ConclusionGuizhou residents had poor knowledge of HPV-related issues. The percentage of healthcare workers who achieved acceptable knowledge levels was one-half or less. The increasing HPV prevalence and cervical cancer incidence can be contained if more affordable vaccines are developed and the low knowledge levels pervading young adults and medical staff is eliminated.

Willingness of parents of 9-to-18-year-old females in China to vaccinate their daughters with HPV vaccine.

To assess knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine, willingness to have their daughters receive HPV vaccine, and factors associated with knowledge and willingness among parents of females 9 to 18years of age in China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents with daughters 9 to 18years of age in four provinces of China using a self-administered questionnaire. We used multivariable regression analyses to determine factors associated with willingness vaccinate. We received completed surveys from 5,215 parents. Among respondents, 846 (16.24%) had a high level of knowledge about HPV (total score≥5). High level of HPV knowledge was associated with having daughters who were <15years old; having experience paying out-of-pocket for other vaccines; being a mother; having higher educational achievement; being a medical staff member; being in a higher-income category; and residing in an urban area. There were 2,419 (46.39%) parents who were willing to vaccinate their daughter against HPV and 2,757 (52.87%) who were willing to receive vaccine themselves (for female respondents) or indicated willingness of their spouse to be vaccinated (for male respondents). Willingness of mothers to be vaccinated was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14years; having previously purchased self-paid vaccines; having higher educational achievement; being in a higher-income category; having a higher level of knowledge; and residing in an urban area. Parental willingness to vaccinate daughters was associated with daughters' age being greater than 14years, age of parents younger 40, a history of purchasing self-paid vaccines; higher educational achievement; having a higher level of knowledge; being willing to receive HPV vaccine (themselves or their spouse); and residing in an urban area. Level of knowledge and willingness to have daughters vaccinated with HPV vaccine are low among Chinese parents. For universal HPV vaccination of females 9-18years of age, it is necessary to educate parents about HPV and HPV vaccine, and to reduce the price of HPV vaccine.

113. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards HPV vaccination among reproductive-age women in an HIV hotspot in the US

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the US, responsible for cervical cancer and increased risk of HIV acquisition. Despite an effective HPV vaccine, women’s HPV vaccination coverage and rates remain far below desired levels. This study aimed to evaluate HPV knowledge, screening, and vaccination practices as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age living in Miami, Florida, a Southern US city with a high incidence of STIs and low HPV vaccination coverage. Methods In April 2022, HIV-negative, cisgender, sexually active women aged 18-45 years were referred from a study evaluating HIV risks. Surveys assessed socio-demographics and sexual behaviors. Validated questionnaires assessed HPV knowledge, screening, and vaccination practices. A cumulative HPV knowledge score was generated. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, studentized t-test, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). Results A total of 67 participants were enrolled, and 54 who knew their vaccination status were included in the analysis: median age was 26 (IQR 22-34.5) years; 50% were White, 26% Black, and 33% were Hispanic. Median age at first sexual encounter was 18 (16-18) years, the mean number of sexual partners in the previous month was 1.45 (±1.44), and 33% had previous pregnancies. Mean HPV score was 13.4 (±8.84) out of 29, 43% reported a history of HPV/Pap smear screening. Barriers to HPV vaccination included: 28% low-risk perception, 24% healthcare barriers, and 41% vaccine hesitancy. In MLR, a one-point increase in HPV knowledge score increased the odds of vaccination by 21.5% (0.8-3.67%; p&amp;lt; 0.01). Age, number of sexual partners, and pregnancy history were not significant predictors of HPV vaccination. Conclusion Findings suggest low HPV knowledge among women of reproductive age in a high-risk area, and suggest that increasing knowledge may reduce barriers to HPV vaccination and increase vaccine uptake. Disclosures Maria L L. Alcaide, MD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant.

HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability: a survey-based study among parents of adolescents (KAPPAS study)

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as one of the major causes of infection-related cancer worldwide. In Spain, the HPV vaccination program started in 2007 and until 2022, it targeted 12-year-old girls.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multicenter survey-based research carried out at 24 pediatric offices to describe HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability in parents of children aged between 9 and 14 years-old in Spain. Parents were randomly selected from the medical records following specific quotas to ensure representativeness. The survey included five sections that aim to collect information about sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV, knowledge and acceptability of vaccines in general, HPV vaccination knowledge and HPV vaccine acceptability. Each section was constituted by a number of close questions with different answer options. Specific scores were assigned to each possible answer to these questions. Based on these scores, four composite variables were created to assess HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine knowledge, HPV vaccine acceptability and vaccines knowledge and acceptability in general. A latent class analysis was performed to identify different group of respondents according to their HPV vaccine acceptability.ResultsA total of 1405 valid surveys were included, with 86.19% of the respondents being mothers. The mean score of HPV knowledge was 28.92 out of 40 (maximum value) (95% CI 28.70–29.20) and the mean score of HPV vaccine acceptability was 3.37 out of 5 (maximum value). One third of parents still need more information to take a final decision about HPV vaccination in their children. Parents perceived that females were more likely to become infected than males and tended to associate HPV infection mainly with cervical cancer, showing a. a lack of information about other HPV-related diseases affecting males.ConclusionsThis study results highlight the need for future actions and educational initiatives to raise awareness of HPV consequences in both genders and to contribute to achieving the elimination of HPV-related diseases beyond cervical cancer.

O5.1 Deciphering knowledge and opinions of HPV and HPV vaccination for facilitation of point-of-care vaccination

O5.1 Deciphering knowledge and opinions of HPV and HPV vaccination for facilitation of point-of-care vaccination

HPV vaccination in Latin America: Coverage status, implementation challenges and strategies to overcome it.

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst females in Latin America (LATAM). Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and HPV vaccination is a main key strategy towards its elimination. This study analyzes HPV vaccine implementation current status and the main barriers to achieve adequate coverage in the region. Data from the nineteen sovereign states of LATAM (comprised of all Portuguese and Spanish-speaking nations located south of the United States) were collected, including year of HPV vaccine implementation, gender and age targets, the number of doses included in the public program and coverage by dose. Sixteen out of the 19 evaluated countries have already implemented HPV vaccination programs. However, despite its proven efficacy and safety, HPV vaccine uptake in LATAM has been lower than expected. There is an evident decline in adhesion, mainly regarding the second dose. Several reasons are probably involved, of note: limited knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, misguided safety concerns, high cost, cultural barriers, and the Covid19 pandemic. Proper strategies to overcome these barriers are needed to ensure successful uptake. Effective policies are: adopting the one dose schedule, delivering the vaccine on both health center and schools, and advising health professionals to recommend the vaccine. Further research regarding HPV vaccine hesitancy in Latin America is needed.

Cervical cancer knowledge, awareness and related health behaviours amongst women of reproductive age in Kiambu County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Data on cervical cancer knowledge, perceptions, screening practices and other relevant health behaviours among women in rural Kenya is limited. Yet understanding this information is a key first step in developing evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing the low uptake of screening services and heavy cervical cancer disease burden within Kenya. Consequently, our study sought to assess cervical cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice amongst women of reproductive age within Kiambu County, known for a high cervical cancer disease burden. Methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study undertaken in April 2022. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires from 472 females randomly selected from within the community. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (mean values, standard deviations, and frequencies) and logistic regression, using STATA version 13. Results More than 80% of respondents were aware of cervical cancer though only 54% answered at least half of the knowledge questions correctly. Knowledge of HPV was particularly low, likely because 55% of the study sample stated they had never heard of HPV. Though 89% of study participants deemed cervical cancer preventable, more than 60% had an unfavourable attitude towards cervical cancer screening, deeming the process expensive, painful, and embarrassing. In line with the latter observation, only 20% of our sample had ever been screened for cervical cancer and less than half of this group had undergone regular screening. Notably, knowing a place where cervical cancer screening services are provided had the largest increase in odds of being screened (3.94; 95% CI: 1.08–14.37). Fear of tests and outcomes was also noted to be a prime concern amongst our study participants. Conclusion A clear message from this study is the need to ensure community members are aware of where to access screening services and strategies are implemented to address prevalent fears and negative perceptions.

The Relationships Between Social Media and Human Papillomavirus Awareness and Knowledge: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV can infect both females and males, and it can cause many cancers, including anal, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. HPV vaccination rates are lower than vaccination rates within other national vaccination programs, despite its importance. Research literature indicates that people obtain health-related information from internet sources and social media; however, the association between such health-seeking behavior on social media and HPV-related behaviors has not been consistently demonstrated in the literature.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the association between social media usage and HPV knowledge and HPV awareness.MethodsThis study analyzed public health data collected through the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) conducted by the US National Cancer Institute. The analysis used data collected in 2020; in total, 2948 responses were included in the analysis. Six HPV-related questions were used to identify HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and HPV knowledge about HPV-related cancers. Four questions about social media usage and one question about online health information–seeking behavior were used to analyze the associations between social media usage and HPV-related behaviors. Initially, six logistic regressions were conducted using replicate weights. Based on the results, significant factors were included in a second set of regression analyses that also included demographic variables.ResultsAbout half of the respondents were aware of HPV (68.40%), the HPV vaccine (64.04%), and the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer (48.00%). However, fewer respondents were knowledgeable about the relationships between HPV and penile cancer (19.18%), anal cancer (18.33%), and oral cancer (19.86%). Although social media usage is associated with HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and knowledge of cervical cancer, these associations were not significant after adjusting for demographic variables. Those less likely to report HPV awareness and knowledge included older participants, males, those with a household income of less than US $20,000, those with a formal education equal to or less than high school, or those who resided in a household where adults are not fluent in English.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for demographic variables, social media use was not related to HPV knowledge and awareness, and survey respondents were generally not aware that HPV can lead to specific types of cancer, other than cervical cancer. These results suggest that perhaps a lack of high-quality information on social media may impede HPV awareness and knowledge. Efforts to educate the public about HPV via social media might be improved by using techniques like storytelling or infographics, especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as older participants, males, those with low incomes, those with less formal education, or those who reside in the United States but are not fluent in English.

Low awareness of HPV infection and willingness of HPV vaccination among Chinese male college students in the east of China.

IntroductionHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has proven to play a major role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and related cancers among both men and women. However, the coverage of the HPV vaccination is still limited.ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, as well as the willingness to take HPV vaccine, especially factors influencing vaccination willingness among male college students.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional investigation among male college students from six colleges in Jiangsu, China. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate the subjects' basic information, behavior habits, cognition of the HPV vaccine, and intention for HPV vaccination. Multivariate analysis modes were used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccine awareness and willingness.ResultsWe found that among 912 participants, only 24.34% of the participants had a “good knowledge” of HPV and HPV vaccine, and 34.54% showed a “positive attitude“ toward the HPV vaccine after obtaining knowledge of HPV and its vaccine. Factors such as immune persistence, side effects, pricing strategy, and participants' self-assessment of HPV infection were the main factors influencing the HPV vaccination.ConclusionStrengthening health education on the HPV vaccination and finding appropriate ways to solve the problem of ”vaccine hesitancy“ will be effective in improving the coverage of the HPV vaccine and preventing related diseases. In addition, the lifting of restrictions on HPV vaccination for men in China may also prove useful.

An overview of implementing an evidence based program to increase HPV vaccination in HIV community clinics

BackgroundHPV-related anal cancer occurs in excess rates among people living with HIV (PLWH) and has been increasing in incidence. The HPV vaccine is an effective and safe approach to prevent and reduce the risk of HPV-related disease. Yet, HPV vaccine programs tailored and implemented in the HIV population are lagging for this high-risk group.MethodsA pre-post intervention study design will be used to tailor, refine, and implement the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program to increase HPV vaccination among PLWH. Guided by the RE-AIM framework, the CHAMPS study will provide training and motivation to HIV providers and clinic staff to recommend and administer the HPV vaccination within three HIV clinics in Georgia. We plan to enroll 365 HIV participants to receive HPV education, resources, and reminders for HPV vaccination. Sociodemographic, HPV knowledge, and vaccine hesitancy will be assessed as mediators and moderators for HPV vaccination. The primary outcome will be measured as an increase in uptake rate in initiation of the HPV vaccine and vaccine completion (secondary outcome) compared to historical baseline vaccination rate (control).DiscussionThe proposed study is a novel approach to address a serious and preventable public health problem by using an efficacious, evidence-based intervention on a new target population. The findings are anticipated to have a significant impact in the field of improving cancer outcomes in a high-risk and aging HIV population.Trial registrationNCT05065840; October 4, 2021.

Sociodemographic factors associated with HPV awareness/knowledge and cervical cancer screening behaviors among caregivers in the U.S

BackgroundFamily caregivers may be at a higher risk for several chronic diseases, including cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death among women. Despite family caregivers’ vulnerability, the status of their HPV awareness, knowledge, and preventive health behaviors, including cervical cancer screening, has been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with HPV awareness and knowledge and adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines among caregivers in the U.S.MethodsNationally representative cross-sectional survey data were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, 2017–2020). Female caregivers aged 21–65 were included (N = 1190). Weighted multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV awareness (heard of HPV), knowledge (HPV can cause cervical cancer), and adherence to the United States Preventive Service Task Force 2018 cervical cancer screening guidelines by sociodemographic factors (age, race/ethnicity, education, household income, marital status,) and the intensity of caregiving.ResultsAn estimated 79% of female caregivers were aware of HPV and 84% adhered to the cervical cancer screening guidelines. Caregivers who were older than 50 (OR = 3.62, 1.91–6.85, adherence of aged 21–50 vs. 51–65), Hispanics of race/ethnicity compared with Black/African Americans (OR = 3.14, 1.31–7.52, adherence of Black/African Americans vs. Hispanics), with a high school education or less (OR = 2.34, 1.14–4.82, adherence of Some college or more vs. High school education or less), and with intense caregiving duty (spending 35 h/week or more on caregiving) compared with light-duty (OR = 2.34, 1.10–5.00, adherence of 5–14 h vs. 35 h or more, weekly) had poor adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines. Caregivers who were older, racial minorities (Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, Multiple races), and less educated showed lower HPV awareness (Heard of HPV) than their counterparts.ConclusionsThere are caregiving populations whose HPV awareness and cervical cancer screening adherence are low. To improve their awareness and knowledge of HPV and support their cervical cancer screening behaviors, we need to consider interventions that target those specific populations.

Countering Narrative Misinformation: Investigating the Effects of Narrative Corrections and Character Trust on Story-Related Knowledge of HPV

ABSTRACT Guided by the entertainment overcoming resistance model (EORM), participants (N = 334) were exposed to narrative correction strategies designed to reduce reliance on a character that portrayed misinformation about HPV within a narrative. In a 2 × 2 experiment, participants were randomly assigned to either read a warning about an untrustworthy character or a description of the show and to view a post-show video where hosts discussed the motives and actions of that character or a control clip. Both narrative correction strategies reduced individuals’ trust of the protagonist and, in turn, increased the number of correct answers on an HPV knowledge test. Identification moderated the indirect relationship between exposure to the post-show discussion and HPV knowledge. For those who reported greater identification with the protagonist, the post-show discussion reduced character trust whereas those who reported low identification were not impacted by this narrative correction strategy. The effect of the pre-show warning did not depend on level of identification. The results build on previous studies concerning narrative correction strategies as well as extend the EORM to narrative correction outcomes.

Assessing knowledge of human papillomavirus among men who have sex with men (MSM) using targeted dating applications

BackgroundThe incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal and anal cancer has been increasing significantly over the past 30 years, especially among males. This study sought to better understand the level of knowledge of HPV-related disease in the LGBTQ+ community, and serve as a method to increase awareness for HPV vaccination as a safe and effective method for cancer prevention. MethodsSCRUFF and Jack’d are geosocial networking and dating mobile applications for men who have sex with men (MSM). All users of the applications who were located in the US at the time of the study were invited to participate in a survey on HPV knowledge, the HPV vaccine, and vaccination status. The Pearson test was used to identify possible associations. ResultsHalf of the HPV vaccine-eligible respondents reported having received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, while only 37.9% of the individuals aged 9–26 reported being vaccinated against HPV. Among the unvaccinated, 63.3% reported being interested in future vaccination, or learning more about it. No significant differences were noted regarding vaccination status nor HPV knowledge between respondents from rural vs urban locations. Respondents from the South were the least knowledgeable about cancer and genital warts caused by HPV (79.4%, p < 0.01), and had the lowest rate of vaccination compared to other regions (18.5%, p < 0.01). More than half of respondents reported being either somewhat comfortable (15.8%) or very comfortable (42.2%) with receiving the HPV vaccine from a dentist. ConclusionsThe findings of this study identify demographic groups and geographical areas where preventive campaigns for HPV would be most needed. The findings highlight dental providers as an underutilized source of HPV education and vaccine recommendation. The study reveals opportunities to close gaps in care and knowledge, and points to future directions for research and development of effective interventions.