Examining whether prior knowledge of cervical cancer can lead to positive attitudes and behaviors towards cancer prevention

Abstract

2024PURPOSE: Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of prior knowledge of cervical cancer on attitudes and behaviors toward cancer prevention. SUBJECT AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 participants who completed surveys assessing their knowledge of Human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer causes, risk reduction strategies, vaccines, screening methods, and perceived cancer risk and vaccination behaviors. The population for this study comprised parents whose children were enrolled in the clinical trial titled "An Exploratory Open-Label Clinical Trial Evaluating the Immunogenicity and Safety of the 9vHPV 2-Dose Vaccine Regimen in Children Aged 4–8 Years” at Boston Medical Center. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 35.65 years (SD = 8.58, n = 98). Regarding gender distribution, 14.58% identified as male, 84.38% as female, and 1.04% as non-binary (n = 96). The ethnic composition of the sample was diverse, with 57.14% identifying as African American, 15.31% as Hispanic, 2.04% as Asian, 5.10% as White, and 14.29% as Other (n = 98). 2.04% reporting no education, 1.02% primary education, 41.84% middle school education, 12.24% high school education, 41.84% obtaining a GED, and 1.02% having some college education (n = 98). The results revealed several statistically significant associations. Prior knowledge of the cause of cervical cancer was significantly associated with the perceived importance of cancer prevention (χ2 = 15.2538, p = 0.0184). Similarly, knowledge of cervical cancer risk reduction was significantly associated with the perceived importance of cancer prevention (χ2 = 23.2341, p = 0.0007). Knowledge of the cervical cancer vaccine was also significantly associated with the perceived importance of cancer prevention (χ2 = 12.5993, p = 0.0499). Additionally, knowledge of Pap smears was significantly associated with the perceived importance of cancer prevention (χ2 = 15.3223, p = 0.0041). The study found a significant association between knowledge of HPV cervical cancer risk and HPV vaccine reception (Fisher's Exact Test, p < 0.0001), as well as between knowledge of HPV-related genital warts and HPV vaccine reception (Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.0407). Furthermore, knowledge of HPV causing cervical cancer was significantly associated with perceived cancer risk (Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.0319). CONCLUSION: Enhancing tailored knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer is pivotal in increasing HPV vaccination rates and reducing the burden of cervical cancer. This study underscores the critical role of targeted education in shaping perceptions and behaviors related to cervical cancer prevention among susceptible communities. Future interventions should address knowledge gaps and improve vaccine acceptance through multifaceted approaches.