Awareness of Diagnosis and Knowledge of HPV in Women Patients - Data from a Multi-site Study

Oct 15, 2026

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical and other anogenital cancers, yet women’s understanding may be limited. A multisite study surveyed 736 women who received HPV DNA testing alongside cytology between 2003 and 2005. Findings show low knowledge about HPV transmission, cure, and diagnosis effects, and only about half recalled their HPV diagnosis even after counseling. Clear, consistent health education messages are needed.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

HPV infection and cervical cancer risk

Purpose

Study design and phases

Research Articles Awareness of Diagnosis and Knowledge of HPV in Women Patients: Data from a Multi-site Study Donna Hubbard McCree, Ellen M. Daley, Pamina Gorbach, Robert M. Hamm, Patricia A. Sharpe, Heather M. Brandt, Mary McFarlane, Peter Kerndt, Robert J. McDermott, Karen M. (Kay) Perrin, and JanetS. St. Lawrence ABSTRACT Background: Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers. Purpose: This paper reports results of awareness of an HPV diagnosis and HPV knowledge from a multi-site study of HPV knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and the impact of an HPV diagnosis on women and their partners. Methods: During September 2003-November 2005, a survey containing shared and site-specific items was administered to 736 women who had received HPV DNA testing in conjunction with cytology for cervical cancer screening. Results: Overall, there was low knowledge about HPV transmissibility, curability and the effects of an HPV diagnosis across all sites regardless of a woman’s racial/ethnic and/or socio-demographic background. Further, only about 50% of the women were aware of their HPV diagnosis even after receiving their results and counseling from a health care professional. Discussion: There is need for consistent and clear information about HPV and HPV DNA testing as part of cervical cancer screening. Research concerning methods or best practices for improving communication between practitioner and patient about testing, diagnosis, counseling, behavioral consequences and follow-up care may be warranted. Translation to Health Education Practice: General messages as well as population-specific messages need to be developed and disseminated to reduce confusion emanating from HPV diagnosis. Modes for delivering messages may need to vary. Further research should address message content and delivery. McCree DH, Daley EM, Gorbach P, Hamm RM, Sharpe PA, Brandt HM et al. Awareness of diagnosis and knowledge of HPV in women patients: Data from a multi-site study. Am J Health Educ. 2010;41(4):197-205. This paper was submitted to the Journal on September 22, 2009, revised and accepted for publication on December 22, 2009. BACKGROUND Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is significant because epidemiologic research has shown that persistent infection with high-risk or oncogenic types of HPV is a necessary but not sufficient cause of cervical cancer.1-7 Whereas genital HPV infection is common, cervical cancer is rare; most infections are transient, often produce no symptoms and are cleared by the body’s immune system.2,5-9 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an HPV DNA test,(Hybrid Capture 2®, Donna Hubbard McCree is a team leader/ behaviorial scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333; [E-mail: zyr1@cdc.gov. Ellen M. Daley](E-mail: zyr1@cdc.gov. Ellen M. Daley), University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL 33612. Pamina Gorbach, University of California at Los Angeles School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90089. Robert Hamm, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Patricia A. Sharpe, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208. Heather M. Brandt, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208. Mary McFarlane, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333. Peter Kerndt, Los Angeles County Health Department, Los Angeles CA 90012. Robert J. McDermott, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL 33612. Karen M.(Kay) Perrin, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL 33612. Janet St. Lawrence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333. Donna Hubbard McCree, Ellen M. Daley, Pamina Gorbach, Robert M. Hamm, Patricia A. Sharpe, et al. Digene Corporation), for the management of patients with

FAQs

What did the study examine regarding HPV in women patients?

It assessed awareness of an HPV diagnosis and knowledge about HPV, including knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and the impact of an HPV diagnosis on women and their partners.

What were the main findings about HPV knowledge and diagnosis awareness?

Knowledge about HPV transmissibility, curability, and diagnosis effects was low across sites. Only about 50% of women were aware of their HPV diagnosis even after receiving results and counseling.

What conclusions does the paper draw for health education practice?

Consistent and clear information about HPV and HPV DNA testing should be provided as part of screening, using general and population-specific messages with delivery modes tailored to reduce confusion and improve communication and follow-up care.

Oct 15, 2026

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