Effect of human papillomavirus education on human papillomavirus knowledge and gynecologic cancer awareness among women aged 18-49: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus is a major cause of cervical and other human papillomavirus-related cancers, and education is essential for prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a structured human papillomavirus education program on women's human papillomavirus knowledge, health beliefs, and gynecologic cancer awareness. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted with 68 women assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention included four weekly educational sessions, and data were collected before and after the program using validated scales. RESULTS: While baseline scores were comparable, post-test results showed significantly higher human papillomavirus knowledge, health beliefs (severity, benefits, and susceptibility), and gynecologic cancer awareness in the intervention group, with no change in perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: A brief, theory-based human papillomavirus education program effectively improves women's human papillomavirus-related knowledge and awareness and may support community-based prevention efforts.