Sociodemographic Factors Associated With HPV Awareness/Knowledge and Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Caregivers in the US
Abstract Background. Family caregivers may be at a higher risk for several chronic diseases including cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among U.S. women. Despite family caregivers’ vulnerability, the status of their HPV awareness, knowledge, and preventive health behaviors, including cervical cancer screening, have been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with HPV awareness and knowledge, and adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines among caregivers in the U.S. Methods. Nationally representative cross-sectional survey data were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, 2017-2020). Only female caregivers, aged 21-65, were included (N= 834). Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV awareness, knowledge, and adherence to the United States Preventive Service Task Force cervical cancer screening guidelines (by age, race/ethnicity, education, household income, marital status, employment status, and health insurance type). Results. Caregivers who were older (aged 51-65 vs. 21-50), were less educated (high school graduate or less vs. some college or more) showed lower adherence to the cervical cancer screening guidelines (every 3 years) than their counterparts. Caregivers who were older and less educated showed lower HPV awareness (Heard of HPV).Conclusions. There are caregiving populations whose HPV awareness, knowledge and cervical cancer screening adherence are low. To improve their awareness and knowledge of HPV and support their cervical cancer screening behaviors, we need to consider interventions that target those specific populations.
