(113) Impact of a Brief HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Awareness and Vaccination Educational Intervention

Introduction: Awareness of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cancers (HPV+ HNC) and the benefits to HPV vaccination remains low in the general population and especially so among minority populations, who also endorse knowledge gaps as barriers to vaccination. This study assessed the efficacy of a brief educational HPV knowledge and vaccination intervention among a diverse population at a safety-net hospital clinic in improving HPV knowledge and vaccination rates.

Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation of adult patients presenting to a safety-net otolaryngology clinic. Participants completed a baseline survey, including 16 items to assess HPV knowledge (responses: True, False, or Unsure), and were then randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group reviewed standardized HPV educational materials and completed an immediate post-intervention survey to measure knowledge acquisition. Bivariate analyses assessed differences in equivalence, knowledge, and vaccination interest between groups. Vaccination rates are being tracked longitudinally in both groups.

Results: Participants (n=51 to date, intervention n=23) at baseline were largely unsure that full HPV vaccination requires >1 dose (74.5%), whether HPV can cause HNC (68.6%), and if HPV causes cancer only in women (66.7%). Baseline knowledge did not differ between groups (mean scores 6.48 vs. 5.96, respectively; p > 0.05). Overall, 57% of participants had never heard of or were unsure of hearing about HPV, and 67% reported no prior discussion of HPV with a primary care provider. Post-intervention, participants demonstrated a significant increase in mean knowledge scores from 40.49% to 75.54% (mean +35.05%; +5.61 points; p < 0.001). The intervention converted 67% of 'unsure' responses into correct responses. Participant vaccination rate data collection is ongoing, with a planned total study n=300.

Conclusions: Baseline HPV knowledge was low, with high levels of uncertainty. Brief educational intervention significantly improved HPV knowledge, supporting the use of clinic-based education to address HPV knowledge gaps.