title: Do Educational Seminars for the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Improve Attitudes Toward the Value of Vaccination?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and effect of educational seminars given at 2 sites in north central Florida on the knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), perceived barriers to HPV vaccination, and willingness to vaccinate against HPV in eligible patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was performed in conjunction with the Committee for the Healthcare of Underserved Women, District XII, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. One hundred participants, ages 18-65 years, were included in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community outreach educational seminars, approximately 30 minutes in length, were given at 2 sites in Gainesville, Florida.
  
  
  METHODS
  Before and after seminar surveys were given to evaluate the effect of the seminars on knowledge of HPV, willingness to vaccinate against HPV, and barriers to vaccination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant improvement in the willingness to accept the HPV vaccine and an improvement in knowledge of several HPV-related facts. There was a statistically significant decrease in several perceived barriers to HPV vaccination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study illustrates the utility of educational seminars in patients' acceptance of health care options. Improving the educational opportunities of patients and families in relation to the HPV vaccine has the opportunity to make a significant outcome on vaccination rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida. Electronic address: kroussos@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roussos-Ross
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Hanna V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, University of Florida at Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, Florida.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Decesare
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
keywords: Education; Florida; HPV; Human papillomavirus; Vaccination