HPV Knowledge Retention and Concurrent Increase in Vaccination Rates 1.5 Years After a Novel HPV Workshop in Medical School

• Published in: Journal of cancer education 2023-02, Vol.38 (1), p.240-247
• Main Authors: Sutton, Sarah, Azar, Shaghauyegh S., Evans, Lauran K., Murtagh, Ariel, McCarthy, Catherine, John, Maie St
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cancer Research; Control Groups; Core curriculum; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Human papillomavirus; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Humans; Immunization; Knowledge; Medical schools; Medical students; Papillomavirus Infections - prevention & control; Papillomavirus Infections - psychology; Papillomavirus Vaccines - therapeutic use; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Positive Attitudes; Retention (Psychology); School Holding Power; Schools, Medical; Students, Medical - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination
• ISSN: 0885-8195; 1543-0154
• DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02106-y

Comprehensive education regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) pathogenesis, vaccination, and patient counseling are not routinely included in the medical school curriculum; consequently, student and provider knowledge, especially concerning head and neck pathology, remains low. The objective of this study was to demonstrate long-term retention of HPV knowledge and positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination after attending our novel HPV workshop, with a focus on knowledge of oropharyngeal cancer. A follow-up survey was administered to medical students 1.5 years after the initial completion of the workshop. HPV vaccination records from the student-led clinic were collected from the immunization information system. Awareness that HPV causes oropharyngeal cancer was present in 33% of medical students pre-curriculum; immediate and long-term post-curricular awareness of this association remained at 90% or higher ( p