An intervention study to increase knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccines among family health workers

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of family health workers about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccines, and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on these conditions. Methods: This was an educational intervention study. Data were collected on the knowledge levels and attitudes of family health workers in Samsun province about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccines through a pretest-posttest intervention. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and participants received a two-hour training session. After the training, the effectiveness of the educational intervention was assessed by applying the questionnaire again. Results: Before the educational intervention, only 57.9% reported having adequate knowledge about HPV. After the educational intervention, a statistically significant increase in knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines was observed. It was also observed that the educational intervention had a positive effect on participants’ tendency to seek HPV vaccination for themselves and their children. It was observed that the level of knowledge of family health workers about HPV screening and risk factors was relatively high, but there were deficiencies in HPV vaccines. Conclusion: This study found that family health workers had inadequate knowledge about cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccines, and that the educational intervention was effective in increasing family health workers’ knowledge about HPV and vaccines.