Development of an HPV educational protocol for adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Public Health
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection with implications for adolescent sexual health and cancer risk.
• Cervical cancer screening guidelines are evolving with the integration of HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccination.
• Adolescents require age-appropriate education regarding HPV and Pap tests to promote informed health decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an educational protocol on HPV and Pap tests for adolescents.
• To assess the protocol's understandability, clarity, and effectiveness in increasing HPV knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A multi-phase approach involving adolescent and investigator collaboration in protocol development.
• Qualitative evaluation by adolescents and quantitative effectiveness assessment in two adolescent samples.
• Pre- and post-protocol HPV knowledge assessment using a standardized scale.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in HPV knowledge scores were observed post-protocol (P < 0.0001).
• The protocol's effectiveness was consistent across different sociodemographic groups and risk behaviors.
• No significant post-protocol differences in knowledge scores based on race, insurance, or condom use.

Conclusions:

• The developed educational protocol effectively enhanced HPV knowledge among adolescents.
• Developmentally appropriate HPV and Pap test education is crucial in clinical settings amidst evolving screening and vaccination strategies.
• Targeted HPV education can foster healthy sexual behaviors and appropriate screening practices, potentially mitigating psychosocial concerns.