An evaluation of an intervention for HPV risk reduction among college-aged women

The goal of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a group intervention in reducing risk in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) among sexually active, college-aged women. Using a randomized design, the current study examined the effectiveness of an HPV educational group intervention guided by previous sexual risk-reduction research and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991). The intervention was provided in a standard, in-person group format consisting of a single session. Measures were completed prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month post-intervention (Fisher, 1997). Consistent with TPB (Ajzen, 2002), study outcomes included predicted changes in the following: 1) HPV knowledge, 2) attitudes towards risk-reduction behaviors (e.g., reducing new sexual partners, using barrier contraceptives, discussing STIs with partners, receiving HPV vaccine, seeking information on HPV, receiving a Pap smear, getting tested for HIV and other STIs), 3) subjective norms in association with the risk-reduction behaviors, 4) perceived behavioral control of the risk-reduction behaviors, 5) intention to perform the risk-reduction behaviors, and 6) the actual risk-reduction behaviors. Consistent with the hypotheses, the intervention was successful at increasing knowledge, behavioral intentions, HPV information-seeking and HIV testing and these changes were maintained over a one-month interval. Modest increases in attitudes toward risk-reduction behaviors, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were obtained immediately after the intervention, but not at follow-up. Contrary to the hypothesized outcome, the intervention was also not successful at creating increases in social norms and many of the risk reduction behaviors (e.g., reducing new sexual partners, using barrier contraceptives, discussing STIs with partners, receiving HPV vaccine, receiving a Pap smear, getting tested for STIs). These findings do provide some empirical support for a brief one-time educational intervention in reducing the risk of an HPV infection