Implementation of a targeted HPV educational program in a population with HIV

Abstract

Patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at higher risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancies. This prospective, longitudinal study evaluated the baseline knowledge of PLWH regarding HPV infection and its association with head neck cancer, and it aimed to determine whether a focused educational session could promote both short- and long-term knowledge acquisition in this population. Twenty-seven subjects participated in an interactive educational session and completed pre-test and immediate and delayed (4-month) post-test questionnaires. When compared to their pre-test answers, subjects demonstrated significant improvements in all 28 questions immediately following education. Knowledge preservation was demonstrated 4 months after initial evaluation, with subjects performing significantly better than their pre-test scores in 24 of the original 28 questions. These results suggest that short, focused, educational programs for PLWH may promote a better understanding of HPV's association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV risk factors, methods of transmission, and prevention. Keywords: Human papillomavirus, Human immunodeficiency virus, Head and neck cancer, Patient education