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

Abstract #70768

Jennifer Lee Packing-Ebuen, MA¹, Holly Rayko, MA², Frances R. Wallace³, Maribeth Buie³, Coleen Hassell³, Sandra F. Naoom, MSPH(C)⁴, Ellen M. Daley, PhD, MPH⁴, Karen M. Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN⁵, and Robert J McDermott, PhD, FAAHB⁶. (1) Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, 8068 N. 56th St., Tampa, FL 33617, 813-980-3555, Jennifer.Packing-Ebuen@ppfa.org, (2) USF Student Health Services, 4202 East Fowler Ave., SHS 100, Tampa, FL 33620, (3) Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, (4) College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, (5) Dept of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, (6) Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612

Background: Although the public health campaign of the 1950s to reduce deaths from cervical cancer was highly successful, knowledge of the relationship between cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has not yet been successfully integrated into public health messages. Thus, knowledge of this relationship remains low, despite HPV being the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Purpose: Studies demonstrate that women lack knowledge about HPV, especially the relationship between sexual transmission and subsequent risk of cervical cancer. Methods: As part of a study to assess the social and emotional impact on women of an HPV-related diagnosis, data were collected from medical chart extractions and at study enrollment on women 18-35 years of age during their annual gynecological exam at two Planned Parenthood clinics in Florida (n=830), and at a large university student health center (n=474). Results: 22% of the women had some knowledge about HPV. Six percent reported previous abnormal pap smears, 3% reported a previous diagnosis of HPV or genital warts, 4% knew about HPV and genital warts, and 2% knew about the HPV-cervical cancer connection. Additionally, only 73% had Pap smears in the preceding year. Conclusions: These findings confirm a lack of HPV awareness in this vulnerable sexual risk-taking population. In addition, while most women have received the message regarding the importance of routine screening, many are still not seeking tests. Educational programs and strategies should be developed to improve HPV knowledge among women as well as stressing the importance of regular Pap smears.

Learning Objectives:

• At the completion of this session, participants will be able to:
• 1. Describe the relationship between cervical cancer and HPV.
• 2. Identify areas where increased public health knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer are necessary.
• 3. Describe the increased risk of sexual transmission of HPV for women.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, STD

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.