Sociodemographic Factors Associated With HPV Awareness/Knowledge and Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Caregivers in the US

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.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in metropolitan Lima, Peru: a cross-sectional study

Background Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women of reproductive age in Peru. Screening and early identification of pre-cancerous lesions are a cornerstone of the cervical cancer prevention strategy. Yet, there is limited literature on barriers to screening among Peruvian women. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to examine Peruvian women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening and identify possible reasons for the gap between knowledge and screening. Methods The study was conducted in metropolitan Lima from June–August 2019. We purposefully recruited 12 women who had previously been screened, and 12 who had never been screened for cervical cancer. The women completed a 40-question knowledge and attitude survey and an in-depth interview about barriers to screening. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate a knowledge and attitude score and qualitative analysis was guided by the Health Belief Model constructs. Results Previously screened participants had greater knowledge of cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, and prevention (mean score = 28.08, S.D. = 4.18) compared to participants who had never been screened (mean score = 21.25, S.D. = 6.35). Both groups described lack of priority and embarrassment as barriers to cervical cancer screening. For participants who had never been screened before, major barriers included the fear of a cancer diagnosis and lack of information about screening services. Pregnancy, unusual gynecological symptoms and encouragement from friends and family were cues to action for participants seeking screening. Most participants in both groups recognized the benefits of getting screened for cervical cancer. Being previously screened increased participants’ self-efficacy for engaging in screening behaviors again. Misconceptions regarding screening procedures and cervical cancer were also noted as barriers for participants accessing screening services. Conclusions Improving knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and screening programs may improve screening behaviors among women. Targeting women who have never been screened before and addressing their fears and concerns around embarrassment may be other areas for intervention. Misconceptions that deter women from screening services are an important issue that should be addressed in order to increase the number of women who get timely screenings.

Are Emergency Providers’ Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV and Hepatitis C Guidelines Influencing Their Practice? A Pilot Study in Appalachia

Background: There is increasing concern of unidentified infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), due to the recent opioid epidemic. The purpose of this study was to assess emergency physicians’, advanced practice providers’ (APPs), and registered nurses’ (RNs) knowledge and perceptions of the current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV and HCV screening guidelines and how it may affect their routine practice habits. Methods: A 25-item electronic survey was distributed to emergency physicians, APPs, and RNs from two emergency departments in West Virginia. Data were analyzed descriptively across all variables. Results: In October 2018, 47 providers completed the survey. Of those, 29 (62%) selected the correct HCV screening protocols, and 67% (31) reported they currently suggest HCV screenings to their patients. Although only six (13%) providers selected the correct HIV protocols, a larger proportion of 73% (34) suggest HIV screenings during their patient encounters. Reasons listed for not conducting these screenings while on shift included “not an emergency” and “not my role as an EM doc.” However, reasons that would make providers more likely to screen included “free screening for patients” and “results available faster.” Conclusions: This pilot study was the first to assess knowledge and perceptions of HCV and HIV screenings among a variety of Appalachian emergency providers. Our results suggest that all categories of providers surveyed lack appropriate knowledge of the current CDC screening guidelines and have varying attitudes toward screening behaviors, which could affect consistent practice to identify new infection.