G. Benavidez

Young adults' human papillomavirus–related knowledge: source of medical information matters

Few studies examine the influence that different sources of medical information has on human papillomavirus (HPV)-related knowledge. We examined the relationship between the primary source of medical information and knowledge about HPV in young adults aged 18-26 years. This study used cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Respondents (n = 404) self-reported their knowledge about HPV-related diseases and vaccinations and their sources of medical information. Sources of medical information included electronic/print media, family/friends, or a healthcare provider. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the association between the source of information and HPV knowledge. Fifty-six percent of respondents used electronic or print media as their primary source of medical information. A greater proportion of Hispanic (40.0%) and black (36.0%) respondents received medical information from their family/friends than white respondents (20.0%). Respondents who received medical information from family/friends had 4.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.14, 8.79), 4.06 (95% CI: 2.05, 8.04), and 2.35 (95% CI: 1.10, 5.04) times higher odds than those who received information from healthcare providers of not knowing that HPV causes cervical cancer, knowing HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and hearing about the HPV vaccine, respectively. Source of medical information was significantly associated with knowledge of HPV. Receiving medical information from family/friends negatively influenced young adults' HPV knowledge. These findings may guide future interventions to target peer and familial influence on medical decisions.

Rural-urban disparities and trends in cancer screening: an analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (2018-2022)

Abstract Background Despite evidence of the benefit of routine cancer screenings, data show a concerning decline in cancer screening uptake for multiple cancers. This analysis aimed to examine rural-urban differences in recent trends for being up-to-date with screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Methods We used 2018, 2020, and 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to assess up-to-date cancer screening status among eligible adults in the United States. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates overall and stratified by county-level rural-urban classification. We used survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models to examine rural-urban disparities in cancer screening up-to-date status by year. Results Prevalence of being up-to-date with each cancer screening was lower in 2022 than it was in 2018. The largest decline in screening overall was for cervical cancer, which dropped from 81.89% in 2018 to 47.71% in 2022. Rural-urban disparities were observed for breast cancer screening from 2018 to 2022, with the odds of up-to-date screening being 14% to 27% lower for rural populations than for urban populations. For colorectal and cervical cancers, the odds of being up-to-date with screenings were lower for rural populations in 2018 and 2020, but no statistically significant difference was observed in 2022 (colorectal screening odds ratio = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.02; cervical screening odds ratio = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.03). Conclusion There is a concerning trend of decreasing uptake of cancer screenings that will challenge future efforts in cancer prevention and control. There is a need to better understand the factors contributing to the decline in cancer screening update.