The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64652

Heather M. Brandt, PhD, CHES¹, Patricia A. Sharpe, PhD, MPH¹, Jill M. Abbott, MPH², and Donna H. McCree, PhD, MPH, RPh³. (1) Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 730 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-777-7676, hbrandt@sc.edu, (2) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 800 Sumter Street HESC, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Interventions and Research Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd Mailstop E-44, Atlanta, GA 30333

BACKGROUND: An estimated 25 million Americans have active human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with an additional 5.5 million new infections annually. HPV has been identified as a necessary, but not sufficient, cause of cervical cancer, underlining the importance of patient-provider interactions regarding HPV among women. METHODS: Four audiotaped discussion groups with health care providers (n=35) from four clinics in a rural region of South Carolina were conducted to determine their current HPV counseling practices and perceptions of what HPV-positive women need and want to know. Providers discussed practices for screening and informing women about HPV, perceptions of women’s responses to HPV diagnoses, questions/concerns expressed, use of or need for educational materials, and challenges of communicating HPV to women. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded for key themes. RESULTS: Thirty-four of the 35 participants were women. Providers talk to women about their sexual and reproductive health, cervical cancer, and HPV transmission. Women are told of HPV positivity either over the phone or in-person. Providers’ perceptions of women’s responses to HPV include feeling angry, mad, scared; questioning source of infection; and questioning treatment options. Women also question effects on reproductive health, required follow-up care, and impact on future sexual activity. Providers report numerous challenges counseling women patients. Communication is influenced by women’s individual characteristics. Providers perceive women need appropriate HPV educational materials, including referral to free sources of support and simple, non-medical language. CONCLUSIONS: Providers need concise, understandable HPV counseling messages and accurate, updated information on HPV to facilitate communication with women.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: (
• List topics related to HPV that health care providers report discussing with women patients; (
• Discuss how health care providers’ perceptions and women’s characteristics may influence communication with women about HPV; and (
• Identify needs of health care providers to effectively interact with women patients about HPV.

Keywords: STD, Cervical Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 291.0 kb)