Evaluation of the Educational Effects of Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine Education for Junior High School Students

Background: In Japan, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates declined markedly after the suspension of proactive governmental recommendation in 2013. Reports on school pharmacist-led cervical cancer and HPV vaccination education remain limited. This study evaluated the effects of lectures on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination delivered by school pharmacists to junior high school students on knowledge, awareness, and willingness to receive HPV vaccination. Methods: A before–after study was conducted among students from four public junior high schools in Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Japan. School pharmacists delivered a 45-min lecture, and anonymous questionnaire surveys were conducted before and after the lecture. Changes before and after the lecture were analyzed using McNemar’s test, and factors associated with willingness to receive HPV vaccination were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 216 students were included in the analysis. After the lecture, knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination significantly improved (all p<0.001). In addition, the proportion of students who answered that they “wanted to receive the HPV vaccine” significantly increased from 16.7 to 45.8% (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that pre-lecture interest in cervical cancer, post-lecture knowledge regarding the HPV vaccine, interest in the lecture, and changes in impressions toward vaccines were significantly associated with willingness to receive HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Educational interventions delivered by school pharmacists may contribute to improving knowledge and awareness among junior high school students and increasing willingness to receive HPV vaccination.