Female College Student's Self-Reported Behavior Change After an Educational Intervention to Reduce Behaviors Associated with Cervical Cancer Risk

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of an educational program about cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV) on female college students’ knowledge and self-reported health behaviors.   There has been limited evidenced based research concerning primary prevention and education in cervical cancer and HPV, and limited data regarding the effect of lack of information on reported sexual behavior and health risk reduction behaviors.  The Social Cognitive Theory, as well as Richard Jessor’s Risk Behavior Model will be used as frameworks for the study.  Using an experimental design approach one hundred and thirty college students in total will be invited to participate.  There will be sixty-five students in the control group and sixty-five in the experimental group.   Fifteen students are included in each group for attrition.  Sample size was chosen using a power analysis based upon the calculation table using Cohen’s F for an effect size of .30 and 80% power, which has been seen in similar sexual health risk reduction studies.  All participants will complete the “Awareness of HPV and Cervical Cancer Questionnaire” as a pretest and posttest.  The experimental group will participate in a class about cervical cancer, HPV and the new prophylactic vaccine.  The control group will be offered the educational intervention, if desired.    Both groups will complete the posttest one month following the pretest.  Statistical analyses using t-tests, ANOVA, ANOVA with repeated measures,  and Chi square will examine whether providing education will improve college women’s knowledge, attitudes, as well as self reported high-risk sexual behavior.