Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Efficacy of a Standardized Multimedia Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Attitudes of Dental Interns Toward HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Azita Sadeghzadeh 1
Amir Hossein Shariatkhah 2
Maryam Bakhtiar 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Undergraduate Student, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i849.0048
Abstract
Background: The epidemiology of head and neck cancers is shifting, with HPV increasingly recognized as the main cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in many regions. In Iran, however, dental professionals still show limited diagnostic preparedness and persistent stigma. This study evaluated the effect of a structured multimedia educational intervention on dental interns’ knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV transmission, pathology, and vaccination.

Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest/posttest study was conducted in 2025 among 35 dental interns at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by simple random sampling. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted from Kazerani et al. (CVI > 0.90) at baseline and one week after an audio-visual educational intervention. The intervention focused on viral pathogenesis, early lesion recognition, and patient counseling. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and linear regression (P < 0.05).

Results: Knowledge scores increased significantly from 20.23 ± 6.41 to 31.17 ± 2.75 after the intervention (P < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.7). Attitude scores also improved from 5.34 ± 2.21 to 8.31 ± 0.76 (P < 0.001), indicating reduced stigma and a more professional outlook. Baseline knowledge was a significant negative predictor of learning gain (β = -0.41), suggesting that the intervention was especially beneficial for students with lower initial knowledge. No significant gender differences were observed.

Highlights

Azita Sadeghzade: Google Scholar , PubMed

Maryam Bakhtiar: Google Scholar , PubMed

Keywords
Papillomavirus Vaccines؛ Squamous Cell Carcinoma؛ Dental Education؛ Health Knowledge Attitudes
Practice؛ Iran؛ Health Belief Model

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 849
1st Week,, April
March and April 2026
Pages 48-56

  • Receive Date 15 May 2026
  • Accept Date 19 May 2026