Development of an HPV educational protocol for adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an educational protocol about HPV and Pap tests for adolescents, to evaluate the protocol for understandability and clarity, and to evaluate the protocol for its effectiveness in increasing knowledge about HPV.


METHODS
In phase 1, investigators and adolescents developed the protocol. In phase 2, adolescents evaluated the protocol qualitatively, investigators evaluated its effectiveness in increasing HPV knowledge in a sample of adolescents, and the protocol was revised. In phase 3, investigators evaluated the effectiveness of the revised protocol in an additional adolescent sample.


METHODS
Urban, hospital-based teen health center.


METHODS
A total of 252 adolescent girls and boys in the three study phases.


METHODS
Pre- and post-protocol knowledge about HPV, measured using a 10- or 11-item scale.


RESULTS
Scores on the HPV knowledge scale increased significantly (P < 0.0001) among adolescents who participated in phases 2 and 3 after they received the protocol. Initial differences in scores based on race, insurance type, and condom use were not noted post-protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
The protocol significantly increased knowledge scores about HPV in this population, regardless of sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Effective, developmentally appropriate educational protocols about HPV and Pap tests are particularly important in clinical settings as cervical cancer screening guidelines evolve, HPV DNA testing is integrated into screening protocols, and HPV vaccines become available. In-depth, one-on-one education about HPV may also prevent adverse psychosocial responses and promote healthy sexual and Pap screening behaviors in adolescents with abnormal HPV or Pap test results.
Wetzel
Caitlin
C
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Tissot
Abbigail
A
Kollar
Linda M
LM
Hillard
Paula A
PA
Stone
Rachel
R
Kahn
Jessica A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014626:Vaginal Smears