Influence of Oral Sex and Oral Cancer Information on Young Adults' Oral Sexual-Risk Cognitions and Likelihood of HPV Vaccination

Abstract

Public health information and educational interventions regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) have focused on the link between vaginal sex and cervical cancer among women. Many people are unaware that HPV can be transmitted through oral sex or that HPV causes oral cancers. Given that HPV infections and unprotected oral sex are increasing, research on oral sex-related HPV risk is important. This study examined the effect of a brief informational intervention regarding HPV and oral sex on the sexual risk cognitions of young adults. College students (N = 238) read information on HPV, oral sex, and oral cancer or no information. Participants then completed measures of oral sex and HPV knowledge, oral sex willingness, HPV vaccination likelihood, and risk perceptions. Participants who read the information on HPV and oral sex and cancer (compared to those who did not) reported greater knowledge, perceived risk and concern, and lower willingness to engage in oral sex. These effects were only significant among women. However, men reported a higher likelihood of future HPV vaccination compared to women who had not yet received the vaccine. Focusing on oral sex and cancer, this study adds to research investigating ways to reduce HPV infections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: a Mozambique overview

“…These findings suggest a role for HPV on infertile couples and human reproduction and reinforce the concept of considering this infection not only in women but as a couple's problem [37]. Furthermore, new evidence brings out a high percentage of oral HPV infection among both men and women, also due to increasing unprotected oral sex [75]. Also at this site, the presence of the virus may be completely asymptomatic or associated with ulcerative precancerous lesions, warts and even cancers [28,3].…”

Systematic review of primary prevention human papillomavirus interventions targeting college students

“…INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH Juraskova et al, 2012;Patel et al, 2012;Stock et al, 2013). Approximately half (n D 7) of the studies mentioned one or more theoretical frameworks when designing the intervention Hopfer, 2012;Juraskova et al, 2012;Krawczyk et al, 2012;McKeever, 2008;Mehta et al, /2014Patel et al, 2012).…”

“…Interventions were delivered in a variety of settings: classroom (n D 4; Juraskova et al, 2012;McKeever, 2008;Warren, 2010), computer lab (n D 2; Hopfer, 2012;Krawczyk et al, 2012), Web (n D 1; , laboratory (n D 1; , university health care clinic (n D 1; Patel et al, 2012), mail (n D 1; Patel et al, 2012), and unknown (n D 3; Chang et al, 2013;Mehta et al, /2014Stock et al, 2013). Intervention providers were a physician assistant (n D 1; Patel et al, 2012), women's health care professional (n D 1; McKeever, 2008), research team member (n D 1; Mehta et al, /2014McKeever, 2008), and a computer (n D 4; Hopfer, 2012;Krawczyk et al, 2012;McKeever, 2008).…”

“…Nearly half (n D 5) of the interventions required participants to self-administer contents by reading information presented on paper or via a computer screen Juraskova et al, 2012;Krawczyk et al, 2012;Stock et al, 2013;Warren, 2010). A variety of educational techniques including lecture, discussion, role-play, skill practice, and reenactment of real-life vignettes was applied to promote positive change in knowledge, attitudes, intention, or behavior.…”

“…Interventions in this review conducted outcome evaluation between posttest (n D 4; Chang et al, 2013;Krawczyk et al, 2012;Stock et al, 2013), 1 month (n D 3; McKeever, 2008;Warren, 2010), 2 months (n D 2; Hopfer, 2012;Juraskova et al, 2012), 1 to 3 months (n D 1; Mehta et al, /2014, 3 months (n D 1; , and 6 months (n D 1; Patel et al, 2012). Overall, the Note.…”