10. Pilot evaluation of an anal cancer risk awareness program

Abstract

Background: With the incidence of anal cancer rising in the United States, particularly among targeted segments of the population, awareness programs specifically designed for those targeted populations are needed. Happy Hiney Health is an innovative, physician-designed program that addresses the needs of MSM sexual health. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the knowledge level of a sample of high-risk individuals in a community setting regarding HPV, anorectal carcinoma, and screening before and immediately following an educational program provided by a physician specialist in anal neoplasia. Specifically, the efficacy of implementing such programs for targeted, high-risk populations was evaluated. Methods: This study was descriptive and exploratory in nature. IRB approval was obtained through Florida International University. The study participants were recruited in October 2012 during a chartered cruise for HIV-infected individuals and their partners/friends (POZ cruise). The educational session was advertised and held during the cruise. The sample included 102 participants. Most all of the attendees reported being HIV positive. An investigator-developed pre- and post-test was distributed to the attendees. Results: A paired-samples t-test was calculated to compare the mean pretest to the mean posttest exam score. The mean on the pretest was 43.14 (s.d. = 11.69), and the mean on the post-test was 91.96 (s.d. = 10.05). A significant increase pretest to post-test was found (t(101) = –29.797, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Findings from this pilot evaluation indicate that educational programs are beneficial in raising awareness related to anal cancer.