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Published on: March 8, 2012
Results of a Human Papillomavirus Self-Collection Educational Intervention for Health Care Providers in Appalachia
Mira L Katz1, Abigail Shoben2, Amie M Ashcraft3
1College of Public Health and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Objective:
There is an increasing interest in human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection as a strategy for women not up-to-date with cervical cancer screening. We report the findings of an HPV self-collection educational intervention for health care providers and staff.
Materials And Methods:
As part of the Health Outcomes through Motivation and Education (HOME) Initiative, health care providers from 10 health care systems in Appalachian regions of four states attended online sessions during 2021-2023. Participants (n = 167) completed pre- and postintervention surveys focused on knowledge and attitudes about HPV self-collection and cervical cancer screening. The postintervention survey also addressed satisfaction with the educational intervention.
Results:
Participants correctly answered an average of 4.6 out of 7 knowledge items on preintervention surveys and an average of 6.0 items on postintervention surveys (p < 0.001). Attitudes were more positive on postintervention surveys and included that participants reported that they were better informed about HPV self-collection and more confident they could talk to patients about HPV self-collection (both p < 0.05). Nearly all (>97%) participants reported being satisfied with the educational intervention and being pleased their health center was included in the HOME Initiative.
Conclusions:
An online educational intervention for health care providers and staff about HPV self-collection as a cervical cancer screening strategy was efficacious in improving knowledge and attitudes and was well-received by participants. Given its online delivery and that it can be completed individually or in a group setting, this educational intervention with minor adaptations has potential for wide dissemination to educate health care providers and staff about HPV self-collection.

