摘要：This study was undertak.n to evaluate k.owledge of cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus (HPV) among women seen in a colposcopy clinic. Study design. Demographics, k.owledge, and psychological distress were assessed in structured interviews with 175 women before, during, and after colposcopy. Results. Respondents had low k.owledge scores before and after colposcopy; however, their overall k.owledge improved slightly (P = 0.013) following the exam. When responses were examined by question, respondents demonstrated a significant increase of correct answers to only one question: Does dysplasia, or precancerous cells on the cervix, always go away without treatment? Pre-exam k.owledge was positively associated with educational level and was lower among Hispanics and patients recruited at the clinic. Post-exam k.owledge was positively associated with pre-exam k.owledge and educational level. Conclusion. Routine clinical education during colposcopy can improve patients’ understanding of cervical cancer; however, the low level of k.owledge that persisted after colposcopy is a cause for concern.