Awareness of Diagnosis and Knowledge of HPV in Women Patients: Data from a Multi-Site Study

Background: Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers. Purpose: This paper reports results of awareness of an HPV diagnosis and HPV knowledge from a multi-site study of HPV knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of health education 2010-07, Vol.41 (4), p.197-205
Main Authors: McCree, Donna Hubbard, Daley, Ellen M., Gorbach, Pamina, Hamm, Robert M., Sharpe, Patricia A., Brandt, Heather M., McFarlane, Mary, Kerndt, Peter, McDermott, Robert J., Perrin, Karen M. Kay, Lawrence, Janet S. St
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
Cervical cancer
Clinical Diagnosis
Cytology
Diagnostic Tests
Females
Genetics
Health behavior
Health Education
Human papillomavirus
Identification
Knowledge Level
Medical diagnosis
Patients
Screening Tests
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Womens health
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Summary:Background: Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers. Purpose: This paper reports results of awareness of an HPV diagnosis and HPV knowledge from a multi-site study of HPV knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and the impact of an HPV diagnosis on women and their partners. Methods: During September 2003 - November 2005, a survey containing shared and site-specific items was administered to 736 women who had received HPV DNA testing in conjunction with cytology for cervical cancer screening. Results: Overall, there was low knowledge about HPV transmissibility, curability and the effects of an HPV diagnosis across all sites regardless of a woman's racial/ethnic and/or socio-demographic background. Further, only about 50% of the women were aware of their HPV diagnosis even after receiving their results and counseling from a health care professional. Discussion: There is need for consistent and clear information about HPV and HPV DNA testing as part of cervical cancer screening. Research concerning methods or best practices for improving communication between practitioner and patient about testing, diagnosis, counseling, behavioral consequences and follow-up care may be warranted. Translation to Health Education Practice: General messages as well as population-specific messages need to be developed and disseminated to reduce confusion emanating from HPV diagnosis. Modes for delivering messages may need to vary. Further research should address message content and delivery.
ISSN:1932-5037
2168-3751
DOI:10.1080/19325037.2010.10599146