HPV, cervical neoplasia and smoking: knowledge among colposcopy patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess colposcopy patients' knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the role of smoking in cervical neoplasia and, if patients were current smokers, their willingness to quit smoking.


METHODS
Between January and June 2001, 250 women seen in a colposcopy clinic for the evaluation of an abnormal Pap smear or previously diagnosed cervical neoplasia participated in a survey designed to evaluate knowledge of HPV infection, smoking and neoplasia. Participants who smoked were questioned regarding their smoking behaviors and readiness to quit. In the analysis, the population was stratified by age (< 25 years versus > or = 25 years) to determine differences in knowledge, perception of risk and behaviors.


RESULTS
The study population was in general young and racially/ethnically diverse. Fifty-seven percent (143 of 250) thought that HPV was a risk factor in cervical neoplasia, and 58% (146 of 250) associated smoking with neoplasia. Among smokers who discussed risk reduction with their providers, 75% (50 of 66) were advised to stop smoking. Of the 39% (98 of 250) who were current smokers, 63% (62 of 98) agreed that having an abnormal Pap smear would make them consider smoking cessation, and 58% (57 of 98) reported that they would use medical therapy (nicotine replacement or medication) to aid in that process. There were age-related differences in smoking behaviors and attitudes toward cessation (e.g., younger smokers were less likely to desire nicotine replacement).


CONCLUSIONS
Given the high prevalence of smoking and a demonstrated desire by many of the colposcopy patients to stop smoking in the context of a cervical abnormality, further efforts at encouraging cessation are warranted.
Boardman
Lori A
LA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. lboardma@wihri.org
Cooper
Amy S
AS
Clark
Melissa
M
Weitzen
Sherry
S
Whiteley
Jessica A
JA
Peipert
Jeffrey F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003127:Colposcopy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D014626:Vaginal Smears