Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate knowledge of cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus (HPV) among women seen in a colposcopy clinic.
Study design: Demographics, knowledge, and psychological distress were assessed in structured interviews with 175 women before, during, and after colposcopy.
Results: Respondents had low knowledge scores before and after colposcopy; however, their overall knowledge improved slightly (P = 0.013) following the exam. When responses were examined by question, respondents demonstrated a significant increase of correct answers to only one question: Does dysplasia, or precancerous cells on the cervix, always go away without treatment? Pre-exam knowledge was positively associated with educational level and was lower among Hispanics and patients recruited at the clinic. Post-exam knowledge was positively associated with pre-exam knowledge and educational level.
Conclusion: Routine clinical education during colposcopy can improve patients' understanding of cervical cancer; however, the low level of knowledge that persisted after colposcopy is a cause for concern.