Knowledge and Perceptions About Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Risk Among Young Adults

Knowledge and Perceptions About Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Risk Among Young Adults

RATIONALE: Learning about young adults' knowledge and perceptions about risk factors for the human papilloma virus and cervical cancer may help doctors learn more about how to prevent human papilloma virus infection and cervical cancer in the future.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying knowledge and perceptions of the risk factors for human papilloma virus infection and cervical cancer in young adults.

OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the socio-demographic context of college students in an urban Midwestern setting.
• Assess knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in these participants.
• Assess the population's perception of HPV risk.
• Assess the prevalence of risk behaviors that may place this population at risk for HPV.
• Identify the best predictors of HPV knowledge and cervical cancer knowledge.
• Assess vaccine knowledge and acceptance in these participants.

OUTLINE: Participants complete the Young Adult Survey online documenting demographic data; sexual history (i.e., whether they ever had sex, age of first sexual encounter, number of life time partners, condom use, sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], and pregnancy history); cigarette use; current and past drug use; knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer; past history of Pap tests and STD screenings; attitudes towards HPV testing; vaccine knowledge and acceptability; sources of information about HPV; source of information about cervical cancer; identification of common STDs; perceived risk of acquiring STDs; perceived risk of acquiring HPV; social support; and religion.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Currently enrolled in a college, university, or community college in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area
• Currently single and never married

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Not specified

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• Not specified