• Marion Ward, Thomas Beltran, Allyson Corbo, Maureen Sevilla, Sheryl Bedno, and Emily Penick.
• Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA.
• Mil Med. 2023 May 16; 188 (5-6): 118611911186-1191.

ObjectiveTo assess gaps in human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and current attitudes toward HPV vaccination among active duty soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC, and to evaluate the impact of the instruction intervention on knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination.MethodsA six-question assessment was administered to soldiers presenting for appointments through the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Clinic at Fort Bragg in January 2020. Questions included five multiple choice knowledge assessments and a Likert scale attitude question regarding HPV vaccination. The assessment was administered before and after a one-on-one educational intervention conducted by the EDC Clinic nursing staff. Pre- and post-assessments were matched using unique encounter numbers.ResultsA total of 139 matched pre- and post-education assessments were completed. Statistically significant changes in HPV knowledge were observed in test score and percent correct (P < .001). Additionally, for individuals reporting no prior HPV vaccination, attitudes toward receiving it increased from 4 (interquartile range 3-5) to 5 (4-5) following instructions (P < .001). This indicates a shift from moderately interested to very interested.ConclusionsResults among soldiers demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding HPV infection, its long-term effects, and preventive measures available among this population of active duty members. Assessment results also illustrated education about HPV infection and vaccination positively impacts soldiers' knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination.Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2022. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

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