Knowledge Regarding HPV and Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Objective: Compare the knowledge of the relationship between HPV and head and neck cancer (HNCA) in 3 unique populations: NASCAR race attendees, undergraduates, and medical students. Compare the self-reported level of information disseminated by healthcare providers regarding HPV and HNCA, respectively.

Method: A 21-item questionnaire was administered to 490 NASCAR race attendees, 186 undergraduate students, and 158 medical students. The survey assessed their knowledge regarding the relationship between HPV and HNCA using a Likert scale. The survey also assessed the level of information disseminated by healthcare providers regarding HPV and HNCA.

Results: NASCAR attendees evidenced significantly (P < .001, η² = .10) lower levels of knowledge of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer than college or medical students. NASCAR attendees evidenced significantly (P < .001, η² = .02) lower levels of knowledge regarding relationship between HPV and HNCA than medical students or undergraduates. NASCAR attendees reported receiving significantly (P < .001, η² = .10) higher levels of information regarding HNCA compared to college or medical students. Undergraduates and medical students reported receiving significantly (P < .001, η² = .02) higher levels of information from healthcare providers about HPV than NASCAR attendees.

Conclusion: Significant group differences concerning knowledge of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer and between HPV and HNCA were detected. However, all 3 groups demonstrated higher levels of knowledge of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer compared to HPV’s relationship with HNCA.