Assessing a Continuing Education Course for Dental Hygienists to Improve HPV and HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Self-efficacy.

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and causes anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Although HPV-related cancers can be prevented through vaccination, HPV vaccination rates are low compared to other vaccines. One of the strongest indicators for vaccination is provider recommendation, and dental health providers are well positioned to promote HPV vaccination among their patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if a continuing education (CE) course could improve dental hygienists' HPV-related knowledge and self-efficacy related to HPV vaccination recommendations. Data were collected from a sample of participants (n = 202) at a large dental hygiene conference in the southern US. A pre- and post-tests were administered with the CE course and differences in HPV vaccine knowledge and self-efficacy in counseling, recommending, and referring for the HPV vaccine were analyzed using SAS. HPV vaccine knowledge overall significantly increased post-CE (p < .001) and improvement was seen among several specific knowledge areas. However, knowledge regarding the common sites of HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancers remained moderate (82% correct) even after the CE intervention. There was no significant change from pre-test to post-test in participants' self-efficacy related to counseling patients about the HPV vaccine, recommending the HPV vaccine to patients, or referring patients for the vaccine. This study demonstrates that continuing education can improve dental hygienists' HPV-related knowledge. Since dental providers may play an important role in HPV-related cancer prevention, future work should develop continuing education tools that can motivate changes in self-efficacy and ultimately improve practice behaviors.

HPV self-sampling among women in the United States: preferences for implementation.

PURPOSE: With the inclusion of primary HPV testing in 2018 U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce guidelines, at-home HPV self-sampling may provide a future option for cervical cancer screening, especially among hard-to-reach populations in the U.S. This study evaluated the association of implementation preferences with the willingness of at-home HPV self-sampling. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2018 among U.S. women ages 30-65 years, without a hysterectomy (n = 812). The outcome was willingness to have at-home HPV self-sampling (yes/no). Primary predictor variables (i.e., information source, methods of payment, methods of sending or receiving self-sampling kits) measured self-sampling implementation preferences. Adjusted logistic regression identified associations with willingness to have at-home HPV self-sampling. RESULTS: Participants who preferred receiving information from healthcare providers (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.54,4.52) or from media or other sources (OR = 2.30; 95% CI 1.51,3.48) had higher HPV self-sampling willingness than participants who did not prefer those sources. Participants who did not want to pay for self-sampling (OR = 0.21; 95% CI 0.14,0.32) or did not know if they would pay for self-sampling (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.22,0.54) had lower odds of HPV self-sampling willingness compared to participants willing to pay. Participants who did not know which method they preferred for receiving a self-sampling kit (OR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.07,0.31) or preferred delivering the sample to the lab themselves (OR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.36,0.96) had lower odds for self-sampling willingness compared to participants who preferred the mail. CONCLUSION: Understanding the preferences of women regarding the implementation of HPV self-sampling can improve uptake in cervical cancer screening, especially among hard-to-reach populations.

Health Literacy Correlates to HPV Vaccination Among US Adults Ages 27-45.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is now available for adults aged 27-45 as a shared clinical decision. Health literacy skills (i.e., accessing, understanding, appraising, applying information) may facilitate vaccine decision-making for adults with a provider recommendation. This study assessed associations between health literacy skills and willingness to get a provider-recommended HPV vaccine among newly eligible US adults. In 2020, US participants (51% women), aged 27-45 years, were surveyed online (n = 691). The outcome was willingness (willing/not willing) to get the HPV vaccine with provider recommendation. Measures were adapted from Sørensen's multidimensional European Health Literacy Scale, which assesses health literacy among four domains (i.e., access, understanding, appraisal, application). Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for the outcome and each health literacy domain, adjusting for personal health determinants (e.g., age, sex). The sample consisted of primarily non-Hispanic (91.2%), White (74.4%), and married (60.7%) adults. Approximately 65% of participants were willing to get a provider-recommended HPV vaccine. Higher willingness to vaccinate with provider recommendation was significantly associated with increased HPV knowledge (understanding; aOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.04, 1.24), ability to understand HPV information (understanding; aOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.09, 3.52), increased perceived vulnerability to HPV-related cancer (appraising; aOR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.83, 5.69), and the need for more information on vaccine safety to seek vaccination (applying; aOR = 3.25; 95% CI 2.05, 5.16). Utilizing a multidimensional health literacy framework to evaluate facilitators to HPV vaccination uptake among adults aged 27-45 can help guide future interventions by targeting accurate, easy-to-understand HPV information that connects vaccination efficacy to reduction in HPV cancer risk.

Consumer-Based Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Among Young Adult Women: The Negative Influence of the Social System.

BACKGROUND: Young adults (ages 18-24 years) are disproportionately burdened by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but STI screening rates are low among this age group. Negative social factors, such as stigma, influence STI screening behavior, but it is unknown if alternative methods such as consumer-based screening can reduce these barriers. This study examined how stigma impacts consumer-based STI testing among young adult women. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews with sexually active women aged 18 to 24 years enrolled at a large public university in the South (n = 24). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically with a priori and emergent codes by 2 coders ( κ = 0.83). RESULTS: Participants from this study perceived that sexual activity was viewed positively for men but negatively stigmatized for women. Furthermore, lack of sexuality education in schools was another contributor to stigma because abstinence-only education is commonly provided in this region. Participants felt that offering information on consumer-based STI screening methods may be beneficial to address these barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Stigma and social influences must be accounted for in future research and interventions to meet the STI screening needs of young adult women. Findings from this research can inform the development of targeted interventions for women who may perceive heightened stigma to STI screening.

The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Mid-adult Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Knowledge Scale in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Previous human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine knowledge scales have focused on young adults in the vaccination catch-up age range or parents of vaccine eligible adolescents. Previous scales are not specific to the new guidelines for HPV vaccination in mid-adults. The study aimed to develop and validate a mid-adult HPV vaccine knowledge scale informed by the latest vaccine recommendations. METHODS: Self-reported data were collected using a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 27 to 45 years with no history of HPV vaccination (n = 706). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified latent constructs in a 13-item mid-adult HPV vaccine knowledge scale. Sociodemographic differences in the HPV vaccine knowledge were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean of correct responses across all items was 5.9 (SD, 2.8; range, 0-13). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a 3-factor structure best explained the data with a good construct validity and reliability. The first factor contained 6 items about HPV infection, the second factor contained 3 items about HPV prevention through vaccination, and the third factor contained items about HPV vaccination misinformation. Analysis of variance and t test found significant group level differences in knowledge among sex, race, educational level, annual income, health insurance, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the use of a knowledge scale for US mid-adults to assess HPV and HPV vaccination knowledge because the patient requires some baseline knowledge of this recommendation to discuss the vaccine with their health care provider. The mid-adult HPV vaccine knowledge scale can measure basic HPV knowledge important to informed decision making.

Health literacy needs and preferences for a technology-based intervention to improve college students' sexual and reproductive health.

Objective: To explore health literacy needs and preferences for a technology-based intervention (app) to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among college students.Participants: In Spring 2019, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants (10 male, 10 female) from a large, public university.Methods: Interview guide was developed based on Integrated Model of Health Literacy domains and Diffusion of Innovation constructs. Data were analyzed in MaxQDA using applied thematic analysis.Results: Dominant themes included accessing health information and services, evaluating options to make decisions, intervention utility and characteristics, and the emergent theme of credibility. Specific topics included accessing STI testing, contraceptive decision making, information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine, patient-provider communication, app design and function elements, and modifying the app to meet the SRH needs of diverse college students.Conclusions: Findings identified areas where an app could address college students' SRH literacy, ultimately improving SRH outcomes among this population.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2040517 .

"I'll Just Pick It Up ": Women's Acceptability of Self-Sampling Methods for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening.

BACKGROUND: Rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening are suboptimal among college women. Self-sampling methods (SSMs) may improve STI screening rates, but critical gaps remain regarding the influential characteristics of SSM to prioritize in intervention development. The purpose of this study was to explore intervention characteristics influencing the decision to adopt SSM among college women. METHODS: In-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted with sexually active college women aged 18-24 years to explore preferred intervention characteristics of SSM. Interviews were stratified by screening status (screened or not screened). The instrument was guided by constructs from the Diffusion of Innovation theory and included characteristics of SSM, such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, adaptability, and risk and uncertainty. RESULTS: Overall, women felt that the SSM was not complex and that the instructions were straightforward. Participants discussed their strong preference for receiving their results via text or e-mail rather than via telephone. In addition, women described their concerns about mailing their sample and described their concern about potential contamination and tampering. The most salient advantage to use of SSM was avoiding an interaction with a health care provider. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to an understanding of the salient intervention characteristics influencing the use of SSM for STI screening, which can be leveraged to improve the health of students and improve rates of screening. Findings can be used to inform the development of a future innovative, theory-based intervention that promotes the use of SSM to improve STI screening rates, and ultimately decrease the burden of STI-related disease.

Dental opinion leaders' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV-related prevention.

Evidence suggests a causal connection between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are increasing and are the most common HPV-associated cancer. Previous research suggests that dental professionals recognize a role in the prevention of HPV and oropharyngeal cancers. As an initial step to investigating effective mechanisms of incorporating HPV prevention into dental practices, including the HPV vaccine, this qualitative study explored dental opinion leaders' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV-related prevention in the dental profession. Dental opinion leaders were identified through: (1) national professional organizations and advocacy groups, (2) by indication of an expert panel, and (3) focus groups conducted with oral health providers. Thirteen participants representing 11 organizations were interviewed via telephone. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically coded using a priori and emergent codes. Opinion leaders described multi-level factors influencing dental providers' HPV-related prevention practice behaviors. Barriers included HPV as a sensitive topic and the need for HPV-related education and skills. Facilitators included perceptions of HPV prevention as part of the dental providers' role and the potential development of passive educational methods to provide HPV-related information to patients. Opinion leaders reported dental providers have a role in the prevention of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer; yet, to fully incorporate this topic into their practice, dental providers need further education and skill-based training. Opinion leaders have significant role in shaping this topic as a priority and identifying potential interventions to assist dental providers' HPV-related prevention. Future research should maximize the role of opinion leaders as key change agents.

The Role of Dental Providers in Preventing HPV-Related Diseases: A Systems Perspective.

Successfully educating dental providers and patients about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer requires coordinated efforts to increase HPV-related prevention practices. The aim of this study was to identify, using a systems perspective, the multi-level determinants related to how dental providers can promote HPV prevention in dental practices. Data for this qualitative study were collected in 2015-16 from focus groups with dentists (four focus groups, n=33), focus groups with dental hygienists (four focus groups, n=48), and in-depth interviews with dental opinion leaders (n=13). Results were triangulated and mapped along micro, meso, and macro system levels. At the micro level, participants identified patient characteristics and low self-efficacy as influential determinants when discussing HPV prevention. At the meso level, relationships among dentists, dental hygienists, and the physical practice environment were factors affecting dental providers' HPV prevention efforts. At the macro level, professional organizations impacted how dental providers interacted with their patients on this topic. These results suggest that improving HPV prevention among dental providers requires a multi-level approach that considers the distinctive context of dental settings, dental training, and perceptions of professional roles. The findings suggested that the macro- and meso-level determinants may be challenging to modify due to the distinctive culture and practice models of dentistry. Nevertheless, the association between HPV and oral cancer requires an expansion of prevention strategies used in dental practices. Improving dental providers' self-efficacy to communicate HPV prevention through continuing education and integration of skill-guided training in dental and dental hygiene curricula could facilitate this process.

How Is Health Literacy Related to Pap Testing Among US Women?

While Pap testing has significantly reduced the burden of cervical cancer, not all women follow prevention recommendations of cervical cancer screening every 3 years. Health literacy regarding Pap testing may influence the adoption of this behavior. The objective of this study was to assess the health literacy-related factors associated with Pap testing among a nationally representative sample of women in the USA. The Health Information National Trends Survey Cycles 4.4 and 5.1 were restricted to women 21-65 years of age (N = 2992). Questions were selected using the Integrated Model of Health Literacy domains: access (i.e., seeking cancer information), understand (i.e., HPV awareness, HPV knowledge), appraise (i.e., prevention not possible, chance of getting cancer), and apply (i.e., received a Pap in last 3 years [outcome]). Survey-weighted, logistic regression models estimated how the health literacy domains were associated with Pap testing, using SAS 9.4. In the sample, 81.1% of women received a Pap test within the last 3 years. The analysis revealed women who knew HPV is an STD (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.26) were more likely to have received a Pap test in the last 3 years, while controlling for sociodemographic factors. These findings indicate that knowledge about HPV may be associated with Pap testing behavior among US women. Continued research is needed to examine the impact of health literacy on Pap testing given the changes in screening guidelines, with the ultimate goal of decreasing cervical cancer.

Examining Changes in Prevention Guidelines in Maternal and Child Health: Development of a Teaching Activity.

Purpose Recent changes in preventive guidelines (e.g., pap testing, mammography) have resulted in confusion for both providers and patients. These changes have occurred either because new research has been introduced or because evidence for the practice is not established. Public health has the responsibility to promote the dissemination and implementation of changing guidelines into practice to improve the public's health. Health literacy may facilitate this process. The purpose of this study is to describe a teaching tool applying principles of health literacy to changes in prevention guidelines. The objectives of the teaching activity were to: (1) understand the development of evidence-informed prevention guidelines; and (2) use health literacy to evaluate the target population's perspectives on the guideline change using a health literacy approach. Description An interactive lecture and a practice-based assignment were created; the assignment was pilot-tested in graduate Women's Health classes. Multiple final products were developed in order to facilitate the lecture and assignment: (1) lesson plan; (2) slide presentation; (3) health literacy interview guide worksheet; and (4) grading rubric. After the presentation, students interviewed women from the guideline target population using health literacy constructs and synthesized their findings to create an overall assessment report. Assessment Feedback from the pilot test informed the revision of the teaching activity. Conclusions This teaching tool can be applied in a wide variety of settings in higher education, such as courses in public health, nursing, or medicine. As health literacy continues to be an important determinant of health status, integrating this determinant into the dissemination and communication of preventive guideline changes is needed.

HPV-Related Knowledge Among Dentists and Dental Hygienists.

Dental providers, such as dentists and dental hygienists, play an important role in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer prevention. Dental professional organizations recommend dental providers educate patients about HPV and oral cancers. The objective of this study was to assess HPV knowledge among dental providers. Dentists (n = 36) and dental hygienists (n = 146) attending a professional conference completed a continuing education post-test survey, which included socio-demographics, an HPV knowledge scale, and measure of HPV discussion with patients ("no," "yes," and "yes, but only with some patients"). Chi-square tests, t tests, and ANOVA tests were used for this analysis. Although dental hygienists (35.4%) reported less discussion with patients about HPV than dentists (52.8%), these differences were not significant. The mean knowledge score was 24.7 (SD = 3.8) with no significant differences by profession. Among dentists, knowledge did not significantly differ by discussion category (p = 0.28). In contrast, dental hygienists who did not discuss HPV with patients had significantly lower mean knowledge scores (mean = 23.4) than those who discussed with patients (mean = 26.5, p < 0.01) or discussed only with some patients (mean = 26.0, p = 0.01). Knowledge deficits included outcomes associated with HPV, HPV in men, and curability. Specifically, participants incorrectly answered that HPV can affect a women's ability to get pregnant (81.9%), that one can never get rid of HPV once they have it (69.2%), and that HPV can cause herpes (43.4%). This study identified HPV knowledge deficits among dental providers. Given the recommendation for dental providers to discuss HPV prevention with their patients, additional education and training on this emerging topic may benefit these professionals.

Changes in HPV Knowledge Among College Women from 2008 to 2015.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause anogenital cancers and genital warts; however, it can be prevented through the HPV vaccine, which has been available since 2006. While this vaccine is targeted toward 11-to-12-year-olds, 18-to-26-year-old young adult women are eligible for "catch-up" vaccination. Knowledge of HPV may impact HPV vaccine uptake among this population. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine information sources among young adult college women over a 7-year period. Two independent samples (N = 223 for 2008; N = 323 for 2015) completed a 23-item knowledge scale and survey regarding HPV. Adjusted logistic regression models compared the odds of correctly answering each knowledge item between each time period. The study found that HPV knowledge increased significantly over time (p < 0.01). The participants in 2015 were more likely than the 2008 participants to accurately report that a condom can decrease the chance of HPV transmission; there is a vaccine for women that prevents certain types of HPV; HPV can cause genital warts; HPV can be passed to a newborn at birth; and even if you do not see a wart, you can transmit HPV. Recent participants were also more likely to correctly report only women can get HPV as false. While improvements in HPV knowledge were found over time, misperceptions regarding outcomes associated with HPV persist. In order to promote HPV vaccination among this population, health literacy skills, in addition to knowledge, should be improved.

Assessing dentists' human papillomavirus-related health literacy for oropharyngeal cancer prevention.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV) are on the rise. Dentists may be the next group of providers participating in the prevention of HPV. The aim of this study was to assess dentists' health literacy regarding the connection of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: The authors conducted 4 focus groups with dentists (N = 33) during a regional dental conference in 2016. Guided by the health literacy competencies (that is, access, understand, appraise, and apply), the authors used constant comparison methods for data analysis. RESULTS: Dentists mentioned a variety of informational sources (for example, dental journals and colleagues). Knowledge about the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer varied among participants. Participants appraised multiple patient and practice factors when deciding to have the discussion with patients. Some dentists discussed the HPV and oropharyngeal cancer connection with patients, and most conducted secondary screenings. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate areas for intervention, including creating awareness of trusted informational sources, as well as increasing HPV knowledge and understanding the multiple patient (for example, age) and practice (for example, open operatories) appraisal factors. Moreover, enhancing the communication skills of dentists with patients is needed to improve HPV-related cancer prevention education. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Addressing dentists' HPV-related health literacy has the potential to improve dentists' HPV-related prevention practices, including expanding patient education about this topic and increasing HPV vaccination knowledge, ultimately contributing to the reduction of oropharyngeal cancers.

Health Literacy Approaches to Improving Communication between Dental Hygienists and Patients for HPV-Related Oral Cancer Prevention.

Purpose: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as a causal agent for oropharyngeal cancers, suggesting a new role for dental hygienists in HPV-related cancer prevention strategies. Health literacy assessment is an approach that can be used to understand providers' informational assets and needs for educating and discussing HPV prevention with patients. This study aimed to understand dental hygienists' level of health literacy regarding HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.Methods: Four focus group sessions with dental hygienists (n=48) were conducted at a national conference. The constant comparison method, with a priori codes for health literacy competencies (i.e., access/understand/appraise/apply), was utilized for this qualitative study.Results: Participants mentioned a variety of modes (e.g., magazines, journals) for accessing HPV-information; however, descriptions of understanding HPV and its relationship to oropharyngeal cancer varied. Participants considered patients' personal characteristics, the dental practice environment, and professional factors to appraise HPV-related information. Additionally, participants self-described themselves as being "prevention specialists." These factors influenced how dental hygienists applied primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related care issues with their patients (e.g., education and oral-cancer screenings).Conclusions: Dental hygienists recognized the importance of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer prevention efforts, including oral-cancer screenings and promotion of the HPV vaccine. The study findings identified opportunities for intervention focusing on primary prevention.

Dispelling the myth: Exploring associations between the HPV vaccine and inconsistent condom use among college students.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is safe and effective in preventing anogenital cancers and warts. However, myths have surrounded the HPV vaccine since its approval, including the possibility that HPV vaccinated young people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between HPV vaccination and engaging in inconsistent condom use in a sample of U.S. college students. A secondary data analysis of the National College Health Assessment-II (Fall 2013) was conducted in 2015. Risky sexual activity was operationalized as inconsistent condom use for oral, vaginal or anal sexual activity. Logistic regression models were stratified by sexual activity and gender, and controlled for socio-demographics and history of STIs. Inconsistent condom use was reported among females for vaginal (47%), oral (94%), and anal sex (75%); while males reported levels of inconsistency for vaginal (38%), oral (94%), and anal sex (58%). Sixty-nine percent of females reported receiving the HPV vaccine compared to 43% of males. Among females, there was no significant association between HPV vaccination and inconsistent condom use in any of the sexual activities. Among males, there was no significant association between HPV vaccination and inconsistent condom use in oral or vaginal sex. HPV-vaccinated males were less likely to report inconsistent condom use during anal sexual activity. This study contributes to the increasing evidence that HPV vaccination is not associated with risky sexual behavior. Dispelling this myth is important to facilitate uptake and completion of the HPV vaccine in the U.S.