Association between HPV and Head and Neck Cancer: Differences in Understanding among Three Distinct Populations

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the knowledge of the relationship between HPV and head and neck cancer (HNCA) in three unique populations: general public at a sporting event, undergraduates, and medical students, and to compare the frequency that a healthcare provider has discussed the topics of cervical cancer and HNCA amongst these populations. A one-way between subjects design was used to evaluate participants at a community based head and neck cancer screening, and students in individual classrooms. A28-item questionnaire was administered to 491 NASCAR race attendees, 186 undergraduate students, and 158 medical students. The survey assessed their knowledge of 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. NASCAR attendees evidenced significantly (p < .001, η 2 = .10) lower levels of knowledge of the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer than college or medical students. NASCAR attendees evidenced significantly (p < .001, η 2 = .02) lower levels of knowledge of the relationship between HPV and HNCA. NASCAR attendees reported significantly (p < .001, η 2 = .10) more frequent discussions with health care providers regarding HNCA compared to college or medical students. Undergraduates and medical students reported significantly (p < .001, η 2 = .02) more frequent discussions with health care providers regarding HPV than NASCAR attendees. Results demonstrated group differences in knowledge between the relationship of HPV and cervical cancer and HPV and HNCA. All groups were more aware of HPV's association with cervical cancer than with HNCA.

Human Papillomavirus and Head and Neck Cancer: Psychosocial Impact in Patients and Knowledge of the Link – A Systematic Review

“…Forty-one papers from 37 studies assessed knowledge about HPV and HNC [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] , [78] , [79] , [80] , [81] , [82] , [83] , [84] , [85] . Over half ( n = 23) were conducted in the USA [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [52] , [54] , [56] , [62] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] , [78] , [80] , [82] , [83] , [84] , [85] , with others from Germany ( n = 4)…”

“…All were published between 2002 and 2015. Quantitative studies ( n = 40) [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] , [78] , [79] , [80] , [81] , [82] , [83] , [84] , [85] used survey-based data collection methods and one qualitative study collected data using focus groups [52] .…”

“…Studies assessing knowledge of HPV and HNC included samples of dental students [48] , [49] , [55] , [65] , [81] , medical students [64] , [74] , [81] , [85] , general undergraduate students [66] , [82] , [83] , [85] , oral health providers (dentists and dental hygienists) [46] , [50] , [52] , [53] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [69] , [71] , [75] , [79] , head and neck surgeons [68] , healthcare professionals [57] , [61] , [63] , [75] , a population-based sample of US men [47] , [76] and a population-based sample of US adults [54] , [67] , [73] , [78] , [80] . Some specific sample populations were included, such as American Indian community members [56] , bisexual and homosexual populations [62] , [72] , [77] , [84] and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) fans [85] .…”

Assessment of human papillomavirus awareness in association with head and neck cancer at a screening event

“…Yet, public awareness of HNC is lacking, particularly in regard to the role of HPV in HNC . In fact, in a randomly selected sample of adults in the United States, only 0.8% of respondents correctly identified HPV infection as a risk factor for HNC, and even when specifically questioned about HPV, only 12.8% of respondents recognized the association between HPV infection and HNC .…”

Knowledge and risk perception of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer among non-medical university students

“…Globally, the few studies that have examined students’ knowledge of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer only looked at medical and dental students [ 15 – 20 ], who may presumably present with better knowledge scores due to their health-directed training. The only known study that compared undergraduates to medical students and to the general population focused exclusively on HPV as a causal factor for head and neck cancer [ 21 ]. No other study, to the best of the author’s knowledge, has examined knowledge levels of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer exclusively among non-medical students, who may receive greater overall benefit from a customized health education program.…”