Health education on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention: A randomised controlled trial on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a health education programme on changes in human papillomavirus knowledge, attitudes and intention to vaccinate among adolescent girls and their mothers.

METHODS

The randomised controlled trial was conducted at two adolescent outpatient clinics from January to June 2019 after approval from the Medical Specialist Education Board, Ankara, Turkiye, and comprised girls aged 9-18 years and their mothers. The two clinics were randomised using the lottery method into intervention group A and control group B. The subjects in group A received two health education sessions in addition to standard care: the first session in the first week, and the second session in the fifth week after the first. The follow-up period lasted 12 weeks. Those in group B received standard care. Data was collected using the Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Scale and the Health Belief Model Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS

Of the 216 subjects, 108(50%) each were in groups A and B; 54(50%) mothers and as many daughters. There were significant post-intervention differences between the groups (p<0.05). Among group A mothers, the intention to vaccinate their daughters was higher compared to those in group B (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Health education regarding human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer prevention was found to be effective in increasing knowledge and promoting positive health beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.

RCT REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial #: NCT04113902 Date of Approval: April 15, 2019). Link: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04113902.