Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Communication Preferences of the General Public Regarding HPV

TLDR

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, causing genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and cervical cancer. The study aimed to inform HPV education by conducting 35 focus groups with a diverse sample of the general public. The authors used focus groups to examine participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and a hypothetical vaccine, and to assess their preferences for HPV educational messaging. The focus groups revealed low HPV awareness, stigma, and fear that hindered vaccine acceptance, yet knowledge of HPV’s prevalence and cancer link motivated learning but also caused anxiety, indicating that HPV education must be approached with extreme caution.

Abstract

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States, causing genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and cervical cancer in women. To inform HPV education efforts, 35 focus groups were conducted with members of the general public, stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, and urban/rural location. Focus groups explored participants' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and a hypothetical HPV vaccine as well as their communication preferences for HPV-related educational messages. Audience awareness and knowledge of HPV were low across all groups. This, along with an apparent STD-associated stigma, served as barriers to participants' hypothetical acceptance of a future vaccine. Although information about HPV's high prevalence and link to cervical cancer motivated participants to learn more about HPV, it also produced audience fear and anxiety. This research suggests that HPV- and HPV-vaccine-related education efforts must be approached with extreme caution. Other practical implications are discussed.