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

Abstract #72381

Vicki H. Wyatt, PhD¹, Robert M Hamm, PhD¹, Katy D Smith, MS¹, Michaela A Park, BS¹, and Donna H. McCree, PhD, MPH, RPh². (1) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-271-8000 ext 32306, Vicki-Wyatt@ouhsc.edu, (2) 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: Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is regarded as the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and high risk HPV (HR-HPV) types are found in over 90% of cervical cancers. The research study objectives are to discover females’ knowledge about HR-HPV, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer; discuss reactions they might have or had to learning they have an HPV infection; learn about strategies they might use or used to cope with receiving an HR-HPV diagnosis.

Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted with women (n = 45, average age = 37.87) recently receiving a positive HR-HPV diagnosis and with no history of HR-HPV. Participants were stratified by age (18-33 = 48.9%; 34-64 = 51.1%) and ethnic group (African American = 40%, American Indian = 31%, white = 29%). The sessions were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed for themes using Ethnograph software.

Results: Participants discussed their knowledge and described experiences with regards to pelvic exams, Pap smears, HPV, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. Participants described risk behaviors, possible methods for protecting against contracting or transmitting HPV, plus support systems, specifically partner relationships, available to women receiving positive HR-HPV diagnoses. Data suggest that although females diagnosed with HR-HPV recall more information about HPV than females with no history of HR-HPV, significant gaps in knowledge exist.

Conclusions: Health care providers need to provide clear, concise verbal and written information to women receiving positive HR-HPV diagnoses and need to initiate the transmission of information to women rather than expecting the women to request information.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• (1)Understand females’ knowledge about HR-HPV, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer between females receiving an HR-HPV diagnosis and females with no history of HR-HPV;
• (2)Describe reactions females might have or had to an HR-HPV diagnosis stratified by age group and ethnic group;
• (3)Explain the strategies females might use or used to cope with a positive HR-HPV diagnosis.

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.