BACKGROUND: Our objective was to assess adults' knowledge, risk behaviors, and preference for information about human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire given in 3 locations (a university health service and 2 community family practice offices); 289 people completed the questionnaire. The primary outcome measure was a knowledge score calculated from the responses on specific items in the questionnaire. This knowledge score was developed by other investigators and has acceptable psychometric properties. RESULTS: Knowledge about HPV was low, with an average knowledge score of 5.50 (possible scores ranged from 0 to 14) and a mode of 0. Knowledge scores were significantly higher in women (P =.001) and married adults (P =.001). Knowledge scores were inversely related to age (P =.004) and positively correlated with years of education (P =.001) and self-assessment of knowledge (P <.001). Knowledge scores were positively correlated with condom use (P =.05) but not significantly associated with other risk behaviors. The most frequently desired time to receive information about HPV was before becoming sexually active. CONCLUSIONS: Adults seen in a typical family physician's office have limited knowledge of HPV. One tool family physicians can use to identify those with the least amount of knowledge is to ask patients how informed they are about HPV. The preferred time to receive information about HPV was before a patient became sexually active. However, it remains unclear whether educational intervention or knowledge changes risky behaviors.
BACKGROUND: Our objective was to assess adults' knowledge, risk behaviors, and preference for information about human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire given in 3 locations (a university health service and 2 community family practice offices); 289 people completed the questionnaire. The primary outcome measure was a knowledge score calculated from the responses on specific items in the questionnaire. This knowledge score was developed by other investigators and has acceptable psychometric properties. RESULTS: Knowledge about HPV was low, with an average knowledge score of 5.50 (possible scores ranged from 0 to 14) and a mode of 0. Knowledge scores were significantly higher in women (P =.001) and married adults (P =.001). Knowledge scores were inversely related to age (P =.004) and positively correlated with years of education (P =.001) and self-assessment of knowledge (P <.001). Knowledge scores were positively correlated with condom use (P =.05) but not significantly associated with other risk behaviors. The most frequently desired time to receive information about HPV was before becoming sexually active. CONCLUSIONS: Adults seen in a typical family physician's office have limited knowledge of HPV. One tool family physicians can use to identify those with the least amount of knowledge is to ask patients how informed they are about HPV. The preferred time to receive information about HPV was before a patient became sexually active. However, it remains unclear whether educational intervention or knowledge changes risky behaviors.
Authors: F Sopracordevole; F Cigolot; V Gardonio; J Di Giuseppe; F Boselli; A Ciavattini Journal: Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis Date: 2012-03-02 Impact factor: 3.267
Authors: Olivia W Foley; Nicole Birrer; J Alejandro Rauh-Hain; Rachel M Clark; Elizabeth DiTavi; Marcela G Del Carmen Journal: J Community Health Date: 2015-12
Authors: Andrew L Sussman; Deborah Helitzer; Margaret Sanders; Brisa Urquieta; Melina Salvador; Khadidiatou Ndiaye Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2007 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Ellen M Daley; Eric R Buhi; Julie Baldwin; Ji-Hyun Lee; Susan Vadaparampil; Martha Abrahamsen; Cheryl A Vamos; Stephanie Kolar; Rasheeta Chandler; Erica Hesch Anstey; Anna Giuliano Journal: Am J Health Behav Date: 2009 Nov-Dec