HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer: Knowledge and attitude/beliefs among non‐clinical staff at community‐based HIV/AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) in the south United States (U.S.) census region

This study describes knowledge and attitude/beliefs about HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer among non‐clinical staff, at community‐based HIV/AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) located in the Southern U.S. states of South Carolina and Texas. It also explores the difference in knowledge and attitude/beliefs between Texas‐based ( n  = 21) and South Carolina‐based ( n  = 30) ASO staff. The ASOs in our study provide comprehensive HIV prevention, supportive and care services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS or at risk for HIV/AIDS, through partnerships and collaborations. We collected data from the two Texas‐based ASOs in 2018 and the three South Carolina‐based ASOs in 2016 via a 118‐item, self‐administered needs assessment survey. Data were analysed using Stata/SE 15.1. Over half the study participants were females (59%), black (78%), heterosexual (61%) and mean age (years) 44.2 ± 12.8 SD . Most participants (73%) believed that quitting smoking positively impacts health. Alarmingly though, only 32% were aware about HPV as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, and over half (53%) were unsure about the success of the HPV vaccine in preventing oropharyngeal cancer. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences observed in the oropharyngeal cancer‐related knowledge and attitudes/beliefs, between ASOs in Texas and South Carolina. ASO staff work closely with people living with HIV (PLWH), who are disproportionately affected by HPV‐associated cancers. The low/poor knowledge and attitudes/beliefs regarding the role of HPV in causing oropharyngeal cancer ascertain the need for equipping community health workers with adequate education/training that improves their knowledge and attitudes/beliefs about the role of HPV in causing various forms of cancer.