Prevention Of HPV-related Cancers Research Articles

Assessing a Continuing Education Course for Dental Hygienists to Improve HPV and HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Self-efficacy.

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and causes anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Although HPV-related cancers can be prevented through vaccination, HPV vaccination rates are low compared to other vaccines. One of the strongest indicators for vaccination is provider recommendation, and dental health providers are well positioned to promote HPV vaccination among their patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if a continuing education (CE) course could improve dental hygienists' HPV-related knowledge and self-efficacy related to HPV vaccination recommendations. Data were collected from a sample of participants (n = 202) at a large dental hygiene conference in the southern US. A pre- and post-tests were administered with the CE course and differences in HPV vaccine knowledge and self-efficacy in counseling, recommending, and referring for the HPV vaccine were analyzed using SAS. HPV vaccine knowledge overall significantly increased post-CE (p < .001) and improvement was seen among several specific knowledge areas. However, knowledge regarding the common sites of HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancers remained moderate (82% correct) even after the CE intervention. There was no significant change from pre-test to post-test in participants' self-efficacy related to counseling patients about the HPV vaccine, recommending the HPV vaccine to patients, or referring patients for the vaccine. This study demonstrates that continuing education can improve dental hygienists' HPV-related knowledge. Since dental providers may play an important role in HPV-related cancer prevention, future work should develop continuing education tools that can motivate changes in self-efficacy and ultimately improve practice behaviors.

Abstract 821: Uptake of cervical cancer screening services by women living with HIV in Kajiado County Kenya

Abstract Background: This project is an African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) facilitated study: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are more susceptible to cancer due to their immune-compromised status. The Kenya Ministry of Health recommends that women diagnosed with HIV should be screened for cervical cancer annually by either visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) or visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VILI), cytology and testing for HPV once every two years. Objective: We determined the uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV testing by women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Kajiado County in 2022. Methodology: The electronic health information system was used to abstract data for WLHIV in Kajiado county. Kajiado county has 57 antiretroviral (ART) facilities. However, our analysis accessed data from 38 facilities whose data is captured in the health information system. Authorized health care workers from the county were requested to abstract redacted data from the health information system. No personal identifiers were collected from the system as a means of protecting the privacy of individuals and abiding with the Kenya’s data protection law. Authorization to access the county was obtained from the county’s department of health while ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University’s Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee. Results: A total of 16,827 people living with HIV were enrolled for care at the 38 ART selected sites in 2022. Out on the total population that was enrolled for care, 11,785 (70%) were women with an age range of 15 to 49 years. A total of 3342 WLHIV, representing 28.36% of the target population, were screened by using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Data for other methods of screening and HPV testing was not available in the health information systems. Of those screened, 3240 (97%) tested negative, 78 (2.3%) had positive results while 24 (0.7%) had suspicious lesions. Conclusion: Our analysis shows low uptake of cervical cancer screening services with only 28.36% of the targeted women being screened in 2022. The only available testing method (VIA) is less robust as compared to cytology and HPV testing. We also found a gap in reporting of HPV testing in the county. We thus recommend implementation science research examining the systemic barriers to HPV testing and reporting to better inform best practice HPV-related cancer prevention and control policy and practice to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality among WLHIV. Citation Format: Caren Kamau, Alice Njoroge, Francis Makokha, Kimlin T. Ashing. Uptake of cervical cancer screening services by women living with HIV in Kajiado County Kenya [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 821.

The effect of theoretical and student-centered interactive education on intern nursing students' knowledge and consideration regarding human papillomavirus and its vaccine in Turkey: A repeated measures design.

Intern nursing students not only belong to the high-risk group for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its associated complications but also represent the future healthcare workforce. Therefore, they constitute a significant group that should comprehensively understand HPV and its vaccine. This study aimed to assess the impact of educational interventions on intern nursing students' knowledge and considerations related to HPV and its vaccine. A repeated measures design with pretest/posttest measures was employed. The study involved 88 students at a university in Turkey and was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the HPV Information Scale. All participants received theoretical and student-centered interactive education, and data were analyzed using numerical data, percentage distributions, Bonferroni correction, and one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The total score of the scale and the scores of all four sub-dimensions obtained in the first and third months after the education were significantly higher than those obtained before the education (p <0.001). Additionally, the proportion of students considering getting an HPV vaccine increased following the education (p <0.001).Conclusions: The education on HPV and its vaccine potentially improved students' knowledge levels and increased consideration for vaccination. Implementing interventions that equip nursing students with sufficient knowledge about HPV and its vaccine can contribute to reducing HPV-related cancer rates. Therefore, it is recommended to implement educational programs focused on the prevention of HPV-related cancers.

Global Type-Specific Genital Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Men, by Sexual Orientation: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Knowledge on genital type-specific HPV prevalence among men is important for prevention of HPV-related cancers and other diseases. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher anal prevalence than men who have sex with women only (MSW) but for genital HPV this is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of type-specific genital HPV prevalence among men, by sexual orientation. MEDLINE and Embase were used for searching publications reporting on male genital HPV prevalence with data from November 2011 onwards. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted estimating pooled type-specific and grouped external genital and urethral HPV prevalence. Subgroup analyses were conducted for sexual orientation. Twenty-nine studies were eligible. Of those, 13 studies reported prevalence among MSM, 5 among MSW and 13 studies did not stratify by sexual orientation. The most common genotypes were HPV-6 and HPV-16 for both anatomical locations, although heterogeneity was high. HPV prevalence was similar among studies reporting on MSW, MSM and men with unknown sexual orientation. Genital HPV is common among men, with HPV-6 and HPV-16 being the most common genotypes. Type-specific HPV genital prevalence appears to be similar among MSM and MSW, which contrasts with earlier findings on anal HPV.

Pharmacists' Perceived Barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: A Systematic Literature Review.

About 45:000 cancers are linked to HPV each year in the United States alone. The HPV vaccine prevents cancer and is highly effective, yet vaccination coverage remains low. Pharmacies can play a meaningful role in increasing HPV vaccination access due to their availability and convenience. However, little is known about pharmacists’ perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize existing literature on perceived barriers to administering HPV vaccination reported by pharmacists. Barriers identified from selected studies were synthesized and further grouped into patient, parental, (pharmacist’s) personal, and system/organization barrier groups. Six studies were included in this review. The cost of the HPV vaccine, insurance coverage and reimbursement were commonly reported perceived barriers. Adolescent HPV vaccination barriers related to parental concerns, beliefs, and inadequate knowledge about the HPV vaccine. Perceived (pharmacist’s) personal barriers were related to lack of information and knowledge about HPV vaccine and recommendations. At the system/organization level, barriers reported included lack of time/staff/space; difficulty in series completion; tracking and recall of patient; perceived competition with providers; and other responsibilities/vaccines taking precedence. Future strategies involving pharmacy settings in HPV-related cancer prevention efforts should consider research on multilevel pharmacy-driven interventions addressing barriers.

HPV-Related Cancers: A Growing Threat to U.S. Military Health and Readiness.

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers is growing in the United States. Active duty service members (ADSM) have higher rates of HPV infection than civilians and are therefore at greater risk of developing HPV-related cancers. The purpose of this commentary is to examine the burden of HPV-related cancers in ADSM. The current HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening uptake rates of U.S. ADSM are presented, including a literature review of military-focused studies on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screenings. We provide directions for future research, interventions, and policy recommendations to improve HPV-related cancer prevention among ADSM.

Understanding parents\u2019 views toward the newly enacted HPV vaccine school entry policy in Puerto Rico: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is an essential tool for the prevention of HPV-related cancers. In Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health established a school entry requirement of at least one dose of HPV vaccination in girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years, taking effect in August 2018. Our study aimed to examine parents’ and guardians’ views of unvaccinated children about the process of implementation of the new HPV vaccination school entry policy in Puerto Rico and identify potential barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of this requirement.MethodsDuring April through November 2019, we conducted three focus groups (n = 12) and eight in-depth semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 11 and 12 who had not yet initiated the HPV vaccine series. The interview topics addressed were: perception of vaccination, HPV vaccine and it is inclusion as new school entry requirement practice, procedure of the sources of information, influencers, and willingness to change. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by our staff members. We identified emergent themes through thematic analysis.ResultsThe participants’ perspective on the HPV vaccine school requirement was mixed. Lack of information of the HPV vaccines and lack of communication about the school-entry requirement were the themes most mentioned in the interviews. Moreover, previous negative experiences from friends or family members and adverse effects deterred some participants from vaccinating their kids. We discussed barriers in the process of soliciting an exemption.ConclusionMost barriers mentioned by study participants are modifiable. Information about the HPV vaccine mandate’s implementation and educational materials regarding HPV vaccine safety need to be provided to address parents’ concerns related to the vaccine’s side effects. Schools (teachers, principal directors, and administrative staff), the government, and parent organizations need to be part of these efforts. This multilevel approach will help to improve disseminating information about HPV vaccination to clarify doubts and misinformation among parents.

Blocking of EGFR Signaling Is a Latent Strategy for the Improvement of Prognosis of HPV-Induced Cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus, and its high-risk subtypes increase cancer risks. However, the mechanism of HPV infection and pathogenesis still remain unclear. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms and the pathogenesis of HPV are crucial in the prevention of HPV-related cancers. In this study, we analyzed cervix squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) and head and neck carcinoma (HNSC) combined data to investigate various HPV-induced cancer common features. We showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was downregulated in HPV-positive (HPV+) cancer, and that HPV+ cancer patients exhibited better prognosis than HPV-negative (HPV−) cancer patients. Our study also showed that TP53 mutation rate is lower in HPV+ cancer than in HPV− cancer and that TP53 can be modulated by HPV E7 protein. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of wildtype TP53 in both groups. Subsequently, we constructed HPV-human interaction network and found that EGFR is a critical factor. From the network, we also noticed that EGFR is regulated by HPV E7 protein and hsa-miR-944. Moreover, while phosphorylated EGFR is associated with a worse prognosis, EGFR total express level is not significantly correlated with prognosis. This indicates that EGFR activation will induce a worse outcome in HPV+ cancer patients. Further enrichment analysis showed that EGFR downstream pathway and cancer relative pathway are diversely activated in HPV+ cancer and HPV− cancer. In summary, HPV E7 protein downregulates EGFR that downregulates phosphorylated EGFR and inhibit EGFR-related pathways which in turn and consequently induce better prognosis.

Dental Professionals and Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Highrisk type HPV infections can cause many types of cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. The HPV vaccine is the most effective method for the prevention of HPV-related cancers. However, HPV vaccination rates remain low in the United States. Dental professionals are well positioned to be at the forefront of educating patients about HPV, discussing the HPV vaccine and promoting vaccination with their patients.

Evaluation of head and neck cancer education at European dental schools.

AimIn Europe, approximately 150.000 patients are diagnosed with head and neck cancer annually. Dentists play an important role in prevention and detection at an early stage when survival rates are best. This study aims to evaluate content of head and neck cancer education curricula of European dental schools.Materials and MethodsA questionnaire, comprising 20 questions about content of curricula and teaching methods, was distributed to the deans of all 234 members of the Association for Dental Education in Europe.ResultsThe response rate was 24%. All dental schools included head and neck cancer screening practices in their curricula, two‐thirds had their students perform this screening on all patients routinely and education was mostly divided over various courses (65%). A variation in content of education in screening practices and counselling patients about various risk factors was reported. Alcohol and tobacco use were included in most curricula as risk factors for head and neck cancer (98%), gastro‐oesophageal reflux was less frequently included (41%). The human papillomavirus (HPV) as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer was included in 94% of curricula and 87% also contained education about strategies to discuss prevention of HPV‐related cancer. No association was found between curricula containing strategies about discussing HPV‐related cancer and inclusion of the HPV vaccine in national immunisation programmes.ConclusionHead and neck cancer teaching programmes show a considerable variation across European dental schools. Development of a unified teaching programme suitable for all European dental schools seems warranted.

School-entry requirements for HPV vaccination: part of the patchwork for HPV-related cancer prevention

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent six types of HPV-related cancers, and approximately, 54.2% of adolescents are up-to-date with the HPV vaccine in the United States. While moderate success has been achieved with provider- and parent-focused interventions, HPV vaccination in the U.S. lags well behind desired goals. In order to maximize HPV vaccination and prevention of HPV-related cancers, it may be prudent to consider state policy approaches, such as school-entry requirements as part of the patchwork of provider, parent, and structural interventions. In this paper, we reviewed the history of efforts to implement school-entry requirements for HPV vaccine, the challenges and benefits associated with implementing these requirements, and the evidence for the effectiveness of school-entry requirements. In addition, we presented new data from Rhode Island’s Immunization Information System (IIS) showing how their school-entry requirement, implemented in 2015, has impacted HPV vaccination rates. These registry data indicate that HPV vaccination rates improved significantly after the 2014–2015 school year and policy implementation, and add to the ongoing evidence supporting the value of school-entry requirements for HPV vaccination. School-entry requirements should be considered alongside other initiatives and policies for promoting HPV vaccine uptake. Taking a comprehensive systems approach to HPV vaccination is needed.

Increasing HPV Vaccination Uptake among Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a well-known fundamental strategy in the prevention of cervical cancer, as it is always caused by HPV infection. In fact, primary prevention of the infection corresponds to primary prevention of HPV-related cancers and other diseases. Since an effective prevention at the population level is the final goal, it is mandatory for healthcare systems to achieve a high HPV vaccination coverage among the adolescents to reduce the circulation of the virus and the burden of HPV-related diseases. This research identified, through a systematic literature review, 38 papers on strategies adopted to increase HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents. The evaluated strategies targeted adolescents/parents and/or healthcare providers and could be grouped in three main types: (1) reminder-based, (2) education, information, and communication activities, and (3) multicomponent strategies. Several types of strategy, such as those relied only on reminders and integrating different interventions, showed a positive impact on vaccination coverage. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of the interventions suggests the importance to adapt such strategies to the specific national/local contexts to maximize vaccination coverage.

HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents in Italy: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional survey determined the vaccine hesitancy related to Human papillomavirus (HPV) and the determinants among parents of adolescents aged 12 and 13 years in Italy. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Two-thirds of the parents (66.7%) had heard of HPV infection and knew that the vaccination was a preventive measure. Parents who had vaccinated their child against the HPV were more likely to have this knowledge. The vast majority (88%) considered the immunization useful for the prevention of HPV-related cancers with an average value of 8.4. This positive attitude was higher among parents who had heard of HPV infection and knew that vaccination was a preventive measure, who had received information from physicians, who had vaccinated their child against the HPV, who were concerned that their child could contract the HPV infection, and who needed information on HPV vaccination. More than half (57.9%) self-reported that they had vaccinated their child against HPV and only 6.2% had delayed the administration of a dose. One-third (33.3%) were hesitant toward anti-HPV vaccination with a total Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines Survey (PACV) score ≥50. Unmarried respondents, those who had not heard of HPV infection and did not know that the vaccination was a preventive measure, who did not believe that the vaccination was useful for the prevention of HPV-related cancers, and who needed information on HPV vaccination were more likely to be hesitant. Communication and education strategies must be undertaken to ensure that parents are fully informed and health-care professionals should provide materials with details regarding the risk of acquiring a HPV infection and vaccine usefulness.

No association between HPV vaccination and infertility in U.S. females 18–33 years old

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been recommended as primary prevention of HPV-related cancers for over 10 years in the United States, and evidence reveals decreased incidence of HPV infections following vaccination. However, concerns have been raised that HPV vaccines could decrease fertility. This study examined the relationship between HPV immunization and self-reported infertility in a nationally representative sample. MethodsData from the 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed to assess likelihood of self-reported infertility among women aged 20 to 33, who were young enough to have been offered HPV vaccines and old enough to have been queried about infertility (n = 1114). Two logistic regression models, stratified by marital history, examined potential associations between HPV vaccination and infertility. Model 1 assessed the likelihood of infertility among women who had never been pregnant or whose pregnancies occurred prior to HPV vaccination. Model 2 accounted for the possibility of latent and/or non-permanent post-vaccine infertility by including all women 20–33 years old who reported any 12-month period of infertility. Results8.1% reported any infertility. Neither model revealed any association between HPV vaccination at any age and self-reported infertility, regardless of marital status. ConclusionThere was no evidence of increased infertility among women who received the HPV vaccine. These results provide further evidence of HPV vaccine safety and should give providers confidence in recommending HPV vaccination. Further research should explore protective effects of HPV vaccines on female and male fertility.

Who Is Scared of a Needle? An Exploration of Italian Children's Knowledge and Perceptions About the HPV Vaccine.

Receiving the HPV vaccine at a young age before being exposed to the virus is essential to improve HPV-related cancer prevention. In many countries in the world, like Italy, the HPV vaccine is offered free of charges to boys and girls aged 12-14. Despite this incentive, the HPV vaccine uptake in Italy remains low. Several interventions and campaigns have been implemented to educate parents and providers. However, children of 12-14years old have been left out by prevention and education efforts. This study explored middle school children's knowledge and perceptions of the HPV virus and vaccine with the purpose to identify gaps and misperceptions and provide recommendations to develop educational interventions. A total of nine focus groups were conducted, and discussions were analyzed along with 171 anonymous questions collected from the children. Findings included a lack of knowledge of HPV prevention guidelines, negative emotions associated with both the HPV vaccine and vaccines in general, misperceptions between prevention and care, and the desire to receive specific information.

Brazilian Immigrant Parents' Awareness of HPV and the HPV Vaccine and Interest in Participating in Future HPV-Related Cancer Prevention Study: an Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in the USA.

This exploratory community-based study assessed Brazilian immigrant parents' awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine, HPV information sources, and their interest in participating in a future HPV-related cancer prevention study. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from a convenience sample of Brazilian immigrant parents living in selected cities in Massachusetts. Participants completed a brief survey in their language of preference (English or Portuguese) administered by bilingual interviewers. Forty-seven Brazilian immigrant parents, each representing a unique family, participated in the study. All participants completed the survey in Portuguese. Although the majority reported being aware of HPV (93.6%, n = 44), only 74.5% (n = 35) were aware of the HPV vaccine. Fewer fathers than mothers had heard of the HPV vaccine (61.9%; n = 13 vs. 84.6%, n = 22; p = 0.04). Of those who were aware of the HPV vaccine (n = 35), 82.6% (n = 29) reported hearing about the HPV vaccine from their child's physician. Additionally, nearly all participants (97.9%, n = 46) reported being interested in participating in future HPV-related cancer prevention study. Findings of this exploratory study indicate parents' low to moderate awareness of the HPV vaccine and high interest in participating in future HPV-related cancer prevention study. These findings are important and serve as a valuable first step toward building a knowledge foundation that is critically needed for developing future studies targeting Brazilians immigrant parents and adolescents living in the USA.

The healthcare costs of treating human papillomavirus-related cancers in Norway

BackgroundPublic health efforts to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers include HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. We quantified the annual healthcare cost of six HPV-related cancers in order to provide inputs in cost-effectiveness analyses and quantify the potential economic savings from prevention of HPV-related cancers in Norway.MethodsUsing individual patient-level data from three unlinked population-based registries, we estimated the mean healthcare costs 1) annually across all phases of disease, 2) during the first 3 years of care following diagnosis, and 3) for the last 12 months of life for patients diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer. We included episodes of care related to primary care physicians, specialist care (private specialists and hospital-based care and prescriptions), and prescription drugs redeemed at pharmacies outside hospitals between 2012 and 2014. We valued costs (2014 €1.00 = NOK 8.357) based on diagnosis-related groups (DRG), patient copayments, reimbursement fees and pharmacy retail prices.ResultsIn 2014, the total healthcare cost of HPV-related cancers amounted to €39.8 million, of which specialist care accounted for more than 99% of the total cost. The annual maximum economic burden potentially averted due to HPV vaccination will be lower for vulvar, penile and vaginal cancer (i.e., €984,620, €762,964 and €374,857, respectively) than for cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers (i.e., €17.2 million, €6.7 million and €4.6 million, respectively). Over the first three years of treatment following cancer diagnosis, patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer incurred the highest total cost per patient (i.e. €49,774), while penile cancer had the lowest total cost per patient (i.e. €18,350). In general, costs were highest the first year following diagnosis and then declined; however, costs increased rapidly again towards end of life for patients who did not survive.ConclusionHPV-related cancers constitute a considerable economic burden to the Norwegian healthcare system. As the proportion of HPV-vaccinated individuals increase and secondary prevention approaches advance, this study highlights the potential economic burden avoided by preventing these cancers.

HPV-Related Cancer Prevention and Control Programs at Community-Based HIV/AIDS Service Organizations: Implications for Future Engagement.

Background: People living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and, men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by genital warts and cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). We assessed community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations' (ASOs) staff awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and effective cancer prevention tools, namely HPV vaccination, Pap, and HPV tests. The potential engagement of ASO staff in future efforts to reduce the disproportionate burden of genital warts and HPV-related cancers among HIV-positive women and MSM was explored.Methods: In May-June 2016, staff were recruited from three ASOs located in the South United States Census region—a geographical area disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Participants completed a 30-min self-administered, 118-item paper and pencil survey about HPV and cancer. Data analysis was conducted using Stata/SE 14.2.Results: ASO staff (n = 30) were 83% non-Hispanic Black, 40% lesbian/gay, and worked with people living with HIV for an average of 11.4 ± 7.7 years. All reported hearing of HPV and 77% had heard of the HPV vaccine (n = 23). While all knew HPV can cause cervical cancer, only 67% knew HPV can cause anal cancer. Most (61%) thought the HPV vaccine could prevent cervical cancer. Fewer (39–48%) thought the HPV vaccine could prevent anal, oral, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. All were willing to encourage MSM and female clients to talk to a healthcare provider about HPV vaccination. Almost all were willing to promote HPV vaccination to clients (91–95%) and navigate clients to adult safety net HPV vaccine providers (86–95%). More than half (59–67%) thought they could positively influence their MSM and female clients' HPV vaccine decision-making.Conclusion: HPV vaccination and the Pap and HPV tests are effective cancer prevention tools that can reduce the disproportionate burden of genital warts and HPV-related cancers among HIV-positive women and MSM. Engaging ASO staff in cancer prevention efforts may increase HPV vaccination rates and early detection of HPV-related cancers among HIV-positive women and MSM. Exploring ASOs as community-based settings for promoting effective cancer prevention tools may foster opportunities to reduce the disproportionate burden of genital warts and HPV-related cancers among HIV-positive women and MSM.

Abstract C56: An online-based storytelling video intervention on promoting Korean American female college students' HPV vaccine uptake

Abstract Introduction: Korean American (KA) women are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, yet they have low awareness and knowledge about HPV vaccine, and subsequently have low HPV vaccine uptake rates. Therefore, it is imperative to develop culturally appropriate education interventions to reduce the health disparities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online storytelling intervention to promote HPV vaccine uptake by conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Method: We recruited 104 participants from multiple sites in six different states in Northeast. Participants were eligible if they were current KA female college students between the ages of 18-26 and who have not been vaccinated for HPV. This study was implemented in an innovative online laboratory from data collection to experimentation. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (a storytelling video) or control group (written information). The effects of the intervention were assessed at post-intervention and 2-month follow-up. Results: Both experimental group and control group improved in knowledge and attitudes from baseline to post-intervention. However, the experimental group had higher overall knowledge score, satisfaction with the education program, and intention to get the HPV vaccine within 1 year and was twice as likely to receive or schedule an appointment for the HPV vaccine compared with the control group (15.6% vs. 7.1%). Conclusion: This pilot study provides evidence in support of the effectiveness of the storytelling video intervention in using an innovative online laboratory setting aimed at HPV and HPV-related cancer prevention. Citation Format: Minjin Kim, Haeok Lee, Teri Aronowitz, Lisa Kennedy Sheldon, Peter Kiang, Jeroan Allison, Ling Shi. An online-based storytelling video intervention on promoting Korean American female college students' HPV vaccine uptake [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C56.

Primary Care Provider Practices and Perceptions Regarding HPV Vaccination and Anal Cancer Screening at a Boston Community Health Center.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and anal cancer screening are valuable, yet underutilized, tools in prevention of HPV-related cancers among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. The aim of this study was to characterize primary care providers' (PCPs) practices and perceptions pertaining to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening. A survey assessing self-reported practice characteristics related to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening, as well as perceived barriers to vaccination and anal cancer screening at the patient-, provider-, and system-level was distributed to PCPs at a Federally-Qualified Health Center that specializes in care for SGM populations in the greater Boston area. A total of 33 PCPs completed the survey. All PCPs strongly recommended HPV vaccination to their patients by emphasizing that the vaccine is extremely important or very important. Most PCPs told their patients that the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer (96.9%), anal cancer (96.9%), oropharyngeal cancer (72.7%), penile cancer (57.5%), and genital warts (63.6%). There is substantial variability among providers regarding recommendations for anal cancer screening and follow-up. Most PCPs perceived that patient-level factors such as poverty, mental illness, and substance use disorders were barriers to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening. Systems-level barriers such as lack of clinical time with each patient and lack of staffing were also described as barriers to vaccination and screening. Patient-, provider- and systems-level improvements are important to increase HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening rates.