Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Human Papillomavirus Infections and HPV Vaccination

Abstract Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections show an estimated prevalence of 290 millions of cases worldwide, being the most common viral infection related to the reproductive tract and the main cause of cervical cancer. Being HPV vaccination currently recommended for both genders, we assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV prevention among high school students in Udine, Northern Italy. Methods Between April and May 2018, a sexual and reproductive health anonymous questionnaire was proposed to first-year students in five academic, technical and vocational upper secondary schools of Udine. In particular, students were asked about HPV related diseases, whether they were vaccinated against HPV and how that decision was taken. Data were analyzed by school type and gender using Chi Square Test with α = 0.05. Results A total of 747 questionnaires were collected from 990 students; both genders had a mean age of 14.8±0.9 years, 59% of respondents were males. Technical high school students were 42% of the sample, while 30% came from vocational and 28% from academic high schools. Genital warts and cervical cancer were identified as HPV-related by 8% and 20% of students respectively, the latter more frequently in technical institutes (p = 0.0016) and in females (43% vs 13%, p < 0.001). Almost 54% of students did not know if they were immunized against HPV; academic school students and females declared more frequently to have received at least one vaccine dose compared to others (p < 0.001). Almost two thirds of respondents reported to have undergone vaccination due to a parental decision; parents discussed this choice more frequently with academic students (p = 0.0016) and females (22% vs 14%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Girls and technical school students are more informed about HPV, while adherence to immunization schedules is higher in females and those attending academic school. Parents appear to create a supportive environment for females. Key messages The different level of knowledge by gender can be explained by past vaccination campaigns, mainly focused on girls, and by parental proactivity towards females. There is room for improvement in HPV-related knowledge and prevention among both adolescents in general and males in particular as they can play an important role to reduce the burden of HPV.

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Didn’t you know? Human papillomavirus (HPV) cancer survivors’ knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination

Gynecologic Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.03.335 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 145 ◽

pp. 144-145

Author(s):

Z. Shelal ◽

D. Urbauer ◽

P. Lewis Patterson ◽

D. Schultz ◽

A.M. Rohrer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

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Mixed-methods study in England and Northern Ireland to understand young men who have sex with men’s knowledge and attitudes towards human papillomavirus vaccination

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025070 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e025070 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joanna May Kesten ◽

Carrie Flannagan ◽

Eimear Ruane-McAteer ◽

Samuel William David Merriel ◽

Tom Nadarzynski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Northern Ireland ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Process Model ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Hpv Infection ◽

Adoption Process ◽

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

ObjectivesMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers. Since 2016, MSM have been offered the HPV vaccination, which is most effective when received prior to sexual debut, at genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK. In September 2019, the national HPV vaccination programme will be extended to boys. This study aimed to understand young MSM’s (YMSM) knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination.DesignQuestionnaires assessed YMSM demographics, sexual behaviour, culture, knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and stage of vaccine decision-making using the precaution adoption process model. Focus groups explored sexual health information sources, attitudes, barriers and facilitators to vaccination and strategies to support vaccination uptake. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics and focus group data were analysed thematically.SettingQuestionnaires were completed online or on paper. Focus groups were conducted within Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer organisational settings and a university student’s union in England and Northern Ireland.ParticipantsSeventeen YMSM (M=20.5 years) participated in four focus groups and 51 (M=21.1 years) completed questionnaires.ResultsOver half of YMSM were aware of HPV (54.9%), yet few (21.6%) had previously discussed vaccination with a healthcare professional (HCP). Thematic analyses found YMSM were willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Vaccination programmes requiring YMSM to request the vaccine, particularly prior to sexual orientation disclosure to family and friends, were viewed as unfeasible. Educational campaigns explaining vaccine benefits were indicated as a way to encourage uptake.ConclusionsThis study suggests that to effectively implement HPV vaccination for YMSM, this population requires clearer information and greater discussion with their HCP. In support of the decision made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, universal vaccination is the most feasible and equitable option. However, the absence of a catch-up programme will leave a significant number of YMSM at risk of HPV infection.

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Anal human papillomavirus infections in young unvaccinated men who have sex with men attending a sexual health clinic for HPV vaccination in Melbourne, Australia

Vaccine ◽

10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.08.066 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (43) ◽

pp. 6271-6275 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eric P.F. Chow ◽

Jennifer A. Danielewski ◽

Gerald L. Murray ◽

Glenda Fehler ◽

Marcus Y. Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Health Clinic ◽

Papillomavirus Infections ◽

Sex With Men

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Betwixt and Between Well and Sick in Cervical Precancer: Canadian Women’s Experiences of Recurring HPV Infections and HPV Vaccination

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/0844562118763496 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 120-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michelle Wyndham-West ◽

Nancy Durand ◽

Aimee Santoro

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Self Care ◽

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine ◽

Papillomavirus Infections ◽

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination ◽

Cervical Cancer Risk ◽

Cervical Precancer ◽

Medical Histories

Background This research fuses the experiences of a precancer diagnosis with the decision-making surrounding a vaccine that can protect against human papillomavirus strains that women may not have been exposed to. The interviewee cohort is of note as half the women were in their 30s and 40s and 75% were over the age of 26. These groupings are often overlooked in media discourses and narrative research surrounding human papillomavirus and the human papillomavirus vaccine. Purpose Womens’ diagnoses and treatment experiences, including colposcopies, biopsies, and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures, are chronicled to highlight a liminal, precancerous state—one in which they are not deemed healthy, but nor have they been diagnosed with cancer. These are emotion-filled experiences that are ridden with anxiety and fear, but also ones that are structured with self-care strategies to contain human papillomavirus infections and the risk of cervical cancer. Methods Twenty women who attended Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s human papillomavirus vaccination clinic were interviewed and their narratives were documented and analyzed to determine their experiences surrounding human papillomavirus infections and precancer as well as their motivations for human papillomavirus vaccination. Results The decision to undergo human papillomavirus vaccination was a self-care strategy that accompanied treatment procedures and was a means to reduce cervical cancer risk. While encouraged with the human papillomavirus vaccine’s potential to curb cervical cancer, they had a tempered view of the vaccine and its effectiveness in their cases, given their medical histories. Conclusions The research provides an in-depth accounting of an often overlooked grouping in human papillomavirus and human papillomavirus vaccination research and media discourse which, generally, focuses upon middle-school-aged girls and university-/college-aged women. In addition, the research provides recommendations for practice for cervical precancer diagnoses going forward.

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Human Papillomavirus Infection and Vaccination: Knowledge and Attitudes among Nursing Students in Italy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16101770 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. 1770 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Concetta Paola Pelullo ◽

Maria Rosaria Esposito ◽

Gabriella Di Giuseppe

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Hpv Vaccine ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Hpv Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

This cross-sectional study assessed nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes about Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination in Italy. The survey was conducted among a sample of 556 nursing students. Almost all reported that they had heard about HPV infection, while only 36.5% knew the risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Those who had heard about HPV infection during their degree program were more likely to know risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. The majority of students (65.3%) reported that they would be willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Moreover, 91.7% of participants reported that they were willing, as future health care operators, to recommend the HPV vaccine to others. Those who knew risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine, and those who knew that cervical cancer could be prevented by the HPV vaccine expressed this positive attitude about willingness to recommend the HPV vaccine. These results highlight the need to supplement nursing students’ specific education, to improve their knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccination.

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Awareness of knowledge about the problem of human papillomavirus infections and HPV vaccination in a group of female students beginning their studies at universities in Lublin

Polish Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1515/pjph-2016-0036 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 126 (4) ◽

pp. 175-178

Author(s):

Gustaw Chołubek ◽

Krzysztof Wiktor ◽

Karolina Małek ◽

Dorota Robak-Chołubek

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Research Group ◽

Precancerous Lesions ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Hpv Infection ◽

Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽

Female Students ◽

Papillomavirus Infections ◽

Study Results

Abstract Introduction. HPV infection is one of the most common type of sexually transmitted infections and it is a significant epidemiological problem all over the world. The risk of infection persistence and its progression to pathological, precancerous lesions depends on HPV type. Vaccinations against HPV virus are one of the elements of the prophylactic program and allow for early detection of cervical cancer. Aim. Aim of the study was analysis of awareness of problems of human papillomavirus infections and cervical cancer prevention, including vaccinations against HPV among female students commencing studies in Lublin. Material and methods. The research group included 400 women selected at random, all starting their studies at five universities in Lublin. The research group was supposed to show some general knowledge of the problem of cervical cancer among young women. It was also to define how many of them benefited from the prophylaxis of getting a vaccination against HPV. The scientific tool was individually elaborated survey questionnaire. Obtained study results were then subject to statistical analysis. Results. The majority of respondents were not vaccinated against HPV – only 2.5% of the surveyed confirmed that they had been vaccinated. The surveyed students most frequently evaluated their knowledge on prevention of HPV cervical cancer as poor. The surveyed who admitted having information about HPV and cervical cancer prophylaxis during their classes at school significantly more frequently had high level of knowledge than women who claimed not to obtain such information at school (p=0.002). Conclusions. It might make sense to conduct planned comparative studies in the centers practicing population vaccinations among girls aged 12-13 and not practicing such primary prophylaxis with cytological follow-ups. It may allow to elaborate the effective model of cervical cancer prophylaxis based on early educational activities, both on primary and secondary prophylaxis.

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Knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV vaccination among women in Taizhou area, China

10.21203/rs.2.20654/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jing Xie ◽

Yi Qiu ◽

Pan-Xi Zhang ◽

Xing-Jun Feng ◽

Fei-Yan Pan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Mainland China ◽

Hpv Infection ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Knowledge Level ◽

Hpv Vaccines ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes

Abstract Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been licensed in mainland China since 2016; however, the acceptability of HPV vaccination is unclear. This study aimed to evaluates women’s knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer, HPV infection and its vaccination in Taizhou area, southeast of China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women who visited the gynaecological clinic of Taizhou Hospital using a questionnaire-based interview. The process was divided into two periods, period I was May to August 2017, and period II was January to March 2019. Results: A total of 819 women were conducted, and 736 were included in the final analysis. Most women (92.4%) had ever heard of cervical cancer. Almost half of women had ever heard of HPV (57.5%) and HPV vaccines (53.1%). Knowledge level of cervical cancer, HPV infection and its vaccines was inadequate; only 12.2% achieved 21-30 scores (at a 30-point scale). Logistic regression analysis showed that marital status, education, occupation, and family annual income were statistically significantly related to the knowledge level ( P <0.05). Additionally, 64.8% of women knew that HPV vaccines are now available in mainland China; however, only 4.3% have been vaccinated. 37.8% of women knew about the preventable effect of HPV vaccines on cervical cancer (period I vs. period II, 31.0% vs. 48.9%, P <0.05). Although women with the low awareness of HPV, the willingness to receive HPV vaccination was high (94.1%) in the present study. Conclusion: Our survey indicated that there is an urgent need for the persistent public health education to ensure successful implementation of HPV vaccination program in Taizhou area, China. Emphasis should be directed to educate the knowledge on HPV infection and its association with cervical cancer, thereby helping to increase HPV vaccination and reduce incidence of cervical cancer.

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