Friday 2:40 PM – 3:40 PM · Room 2018 · Moderator: Kacie Duncan
Human Papillomavirus Knowledge in Rural Alabama
Jayne Graben Turner, Haley Townsend, EdD
Learning objectives
- Increase HPV awareness through ACS and ACOG HPV and cervical cancer screening guidelines. The learner will be able to identify current guidelines for vaccination and cervical cancer screening using EBP guidelines.
- Increase cervical cancer screening in rural patients. Learners will be able to discuss ASCCP guidelines for cervical cancer screening and how to offer new self swab HPV testing backed by ACS to increase screening availability in rural areas.
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024a). More than 42 million Americans are infected with HPV, which is known to cause disease, with 13 million new cases each year (CDC, 2024a). The virus is typically cleared by the body without cause for concern. However, some cases of HPV lead to negative health outcomes such as cervical, anal, and throat cancer as well as anogenital warts (Joura et al., 2015). In addition to physical outcomes, individuals with HPV may experience stress from the concern of transmitting the viral infection to sexual partners (Alabama Department of Public Health, n.d.).