Education about human papillomavirus and human papillomavirus vaccines in adolescents

The purpose of this article is to review recent literature that may help guide the development of effective, evidence-based strategies to educate adolescents about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccines. Educational strategies are essential, given several new and highly effective technologies to prevent HPV and related diseases such as cervical cancer.

Although little has been published regarding adolescent knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines, studies conducted primarily in adult women demonstrate that knowledge generally is poor. Studies of adolescent attitudes about HPV vaccines have identified several modifiable factors associated with intention and confidence in one's ability to receive the vaccine, including higher perceived severity of cervical cancer and fewer barriers to vaccination. Studies of clinician attitudes about HPV vaccines have demonstrated that although clinicians generally support vaccination, some report concerns; for example, adolescents may practice riskier sexual behaviors after vaccination. Studies also show that clinicians believe that educational materials developed specifically for adolescents are essential.

The recent literature on adolescent knowledge about HPV and attitudes about HPV vaccines supports the importance of designing developmentally appropriate educational materials for adolescents about HPV and HPV vaccines, and provides guidance for the development of key educational messages.