The Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students concerning HPV Vaccine and Cervical Screening

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. CMRH.S2973
Author(s):  
L Elit ◽  
K Trim ◽  
R Mohan ◽  
S Nastos ◽  
D Harnish
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Survey Tool

Background Cervical cancer is preventable with regular PAP tests and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Objective Identify factors influencing initiation into regular sexual health examinations within a group of undergraduate health science students who have high parental SES. Methods After reviewing the literature, a survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about HPV exposure and cervical cancer prevention through vaccination and cervical cancer screening was developed. The survey was circulated using a web-based survey tool to undergraduate Faculty of Health Sciences student. Results Two hundred and three students at McMaster University completed the survey. The sample included 72% women and 28% men. The mean age was 19.4 years. This sample represents a population of young adults who the previous literature would suggest are most likely to have regular health care since they are affluent (FAS greater than 6.7 ∓ 1.4). This group is also motivated in health education as 83.3% knew about the HPV vaccine and 76.4% could define the purpose of a PAP smear. Both male and female students were more likely to consult their family doctor about sexual health than their family. More than half of sexually active females have a family doctor, 82.1% of which visit them regularly. Sexually active women visit more regularly than sexually inactive women (p ≤ 0.01). The majority (66%) are comfortable discussing sexual health with their family doctor, yet only 62.5% of women have had this discussion. 57% of sexually active women and less that 1% of non-sexually active women had had a PAP smear or a pelvic exam. Conclusion These affluent and well educated students do not appear to be able to apply their knowledge of HPV and PAP smears to their own sexual health. Thus they require access to tools that help motivate university students to personalize information and make important health decisions.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study between Conventional Pap Smear and Liquid-Based Cytology: A Clinco-Cytological Study of Iraqi Women with Some Health Problems of Cervix

2019 ◽  
pp. 2362-2370
Author(s):  
Huda Hameed K. Alabbody ◽  
Zahraa Adnan G. Al-Ghuraibawi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Uterine Cervix ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Iraqi Women ◽  
Liquid Based Cytology

A cervical screening by Pap test is necessary in recognizing precancerous and cancerous cases to reduce mortality due to cervical cancer among women. Regular screening and follow up can make it easier to early diagnose and eventually, to treat and control cervical cancer.     This study aimed to detect atypical pathological changes of the vagina and uterine cervix of a sample of Iraqi women by macro- and micro-examination, and to determine the link with the demographic features. Also the study aimed to evaluate the two Pap smear techniques; the conventional and the base liquid methods.      The study included 50 women with genital health problems (18-50 years old) who were referred to the National Cancer Research Center (NCRC), the University of Baghdad, during the period from 1st April to 30st of September 2018. Both visual inspection of the uterine cervix and Papanicolaou smear were performed for all of the participants.      The results showed that most patient women (96%) were married and sexually active, with 51% being married under 20 years of age .Visual inspection of the cervix showed that 30% of the women had translucent, opaque or erosion lesions. Upon cytology examination, 92% of the women showed nonspecific inflammation, 70% revealed reactive squamous metaplasia, 10% had Koilocytotic atypia, and 8% suffered from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) or low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL). Contraception was used by 82% of the patients, while 36% used pills. The causes of the referral to the centre were abnormal vaginal discharge (44%) and post-coital bleeding "and\or" dyspareunia (20% each). Lastly, 74% of the participants did not make this test previously. Liquid-based cytology technique outperformed conventional pap smears because of improved fixation, decreased impurities factors, and standardization of cell transfer.     We conclude that routine screening and Pap smear testing for uterine cervix and vagina might be useful to prevent the occurrence of precancerous lesions in the genital system of sexually active women. We recommend to apply this test before and after treatment and to activate the cellular examination in the basal fluid method

scholarly journals Racial disparities in the prevalence of vaccine and non-vaccine HPV types and multiple HPV infection between Asia and Africa: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jude Ogechukwu Okoye ◽  
Simon Imakwu Okekpa ◽  
Chiemeka Franklin Chukwukelu ◽  
Ifeoma Nora Onyekachi-Umeh ◽  
Anthony Ajuluchukwu Ngokere
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Multiple Infection ◽  
Pubmed Central ◽  
Hpv Types ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Risk Hpv

SummaryBackgroundCervical Cancer is the 6th most common and 3rd most deadly cancer among women. Despite the fact that majority of the countries in Asia and Africa have similar economy and low life expectancy, the mean age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of cervical cancer is substantially higher in Africa than Asia. Thus, this study aimed to identify the correlates of the higher ASIR rates in Africa relative to Asia.MethodsPeer-reviewed articles published between 2004 and 2017 were selected using the PRISMA standard. Sources of articles include Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed Central, and EMBASE. Search keywords included: HPV genotypes, cervical cancer, HPV vaccine, and multiple infection in Africa and Asia.ResultA total of 29 and 17 full-length articles were selected from Africa and Asia respectively. Based on estimates in the general population, the incidence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types in Africa and Asia was 3.5 and 1.0 respectively. The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in Africa than in Asia (p< 0.001). The prevalence of HPV infection between 2004-2009 and 2010-2017 decreased in Africa but increased in Asia. More so, the prevalence of multiple HPV and non-vaccine HPV infection were higher in Africa than Asia (p< 0.001). The prevalent HPV types in Africa were HPV16, HPV18, and HPV52, while that of Asia were HPV16, HPV52, and HPV58, in descending order of prevalence. This study revealed that nonavalent HPV vaccine could prevent the development of 69.3% and 83.2% of HPV associated cervical abnormalities in Africa and Asia, respectively.ConclusionThis study revealed higher prevalence of HPV infection and multiple HPV infection in Africa compared with Asia, which could be responsible for the higher ASIR in Africa. It suggests that nonavalent vaccination including cervical screening using Pap smear could prevent over 90% of the cervical abnormalities in Africa.

scholarly journals Perception and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer prevention among fully vaccinated female university students in the era of HPV vaccination: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e047479
Author(s):  
Kah Teik Chew ◽  
Nirmala Kampan ◽  
Mohamad Nasir Shafiee
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

ObjectiveTo assess the perception and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among fully vaccinated female university students in the era of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.DesignCross-sectional using a validated questionnaire.SettingFace-to-face interview at a public university in Malaysia.Participants384 fully vaccinated female students were included in the study.ResultsThe total knowledge score in the questionnaire was 18 and was ranked according to score level into three groups: poor (score ≤5), moderate (score 6–10) and good (score ≥11). Mean score for knowledge of cervical cancer prevention was 8.24 (SD ±3.85), with 170 respondents (44.3%) scoring moderate knowledge level. The mean score for knowledge of HPV infection and its association with cervical cancer was 4.56±2.47, while the mean score for knowledge of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention was 3.68 (SD ±1.98). A total of 186 (48.4%) respondents perceived that regular Pap smear was unnecessary after HPV vaccination. Respondents’ perceived seriousness and susceptibility of HPV infection correlated well with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Two main reasons for their acceptance of HPV vaccine were self-health awareness and free vaccination.ConclusionThe knowledge of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention was average among vaccinated university students. Many of them had poor knowledge about Pap smear and did not consider regular Pap smear as an important cervical cancer screening tool following HPV vaccination. There is still a need for continued health education to improve the perception and knowledge about HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention among young adults in the community.

Women’s health concern in Jordan: knowledge, practice and barriers toward cervical cancer screening

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roqia Saleem Maabreh ◽  
Raya Yousef Al-Husban ◽  
Hekmat Yousef Al-Akash ◽  
Noha Al-Shdayfat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Barriers

Purpose Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most important health issues faced by women worldwide. The purpose of this study is to identify Jordanian women’s knowledge, barriers and measures pertaining to risk factors and screening choices of CC (Pap smear tests). Design/methodology/approach This study applied a cross sectional design by collecting data from a convenient sample of 200 women between 20 and 70 years of age in health and public centers in Jordan. Data was then analyzed using the descriptive statistical tools of SPSS, version 21. Findings The findings revealed that 55.5% of the participants had no information about the Pap smear, and 75% did not know the risk factors. Moreover, 50% of the sample did not know where to take the test, and 50% reported a lack of encouragement from the husband to undertake the test. More than half of the participants (56.5%) expressed fear that cervical screening would be a painful examination even though they reported not having any previous experience with the test. Originality/value Based on these findings, public education about CC screening is essential, including advertising and a campaign similar to the breast cancer awareness programs in Jordan, as a way of encouraging early screening to improve the health of women.

'Have a Pap smear!' – doctors, their clients, and opportunistic cervical cancer screening

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
L C Chingang ◽  
U Bischof ◽  
G Andall-Brereton ◽  
O Razum
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Pap Test ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
High Incidence

In many middle-income countries with a high incidence of cervical cancer, organized screening programmes with the Pap test are being planned. We assessed the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, cervical screening among 63 doctors and 102 randomly selected community members in Trinidad where screening is still opportunistic. Doctors were well informed about cervical cancer, but not all knew the approximate specificity of the Pap test. Many did not routinely discuss the benefits and disadvantages of screening with their clients. Most women had heard of the Pap test, but only 56% knew its purpose; 25% would not participate in screening, stating reasons such as being in menopause or not having symptoms. More information about the aim of screening and the purpose of the Pap test must be communicated. Doctors need to keep their knowledge on screening up-to-date, and offer counselling that helps women to make an informed decision whether or not to participate in screening.

scholarly journals Knowledge of human papillomavirus and Pap test among Brazilian university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 625-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimée Denzeler Baptista ◽  
Carolina Xavier Simão ◽  
Vitoria Carvalho Guimarães dos Santos ◽  
Juliana Gil Melgaço ◽  
Silvia Maria Baeta Cavalcanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
University Students ◽  
Pap Test ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Papanicolaou Test ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus in the world and is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. The most effective approach to cervical cancer control continues to be screening through the preventive Papanicolaou test (Pap test). This study analyzes the knowledge of university students of health science programs as well as undergraduate courses in other areas of knowledge on important questions regarding HPV. METHOD: Four hundred and seventy-three university students completed a questionnaire assessing their overall knowledge regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and the Pap test. A descriptive analysis is presented, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression identified factors associated with HPV/cervical cancer information. RESULTS: Knowledge was higher for simple HPV-related and Pap test questions but was lower for HPV interrelations with genital warts and cervical cancer. Being from the health science fields and having high income were factors associated with greater knowledge. Only the minority of the participants recognized all the situations that increased the risk of virus infection presented in the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for educational campaigns regarding HPV infection, its potential as a cervical cancer agent and the forms of prevention available.

scholarly journals University students’ behaviours towards accessing sexual health information and treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 671-679
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Gray ◽  
Adam T Jones ◽  
Zoë Couzens ◽  
Tracey Sagar ◽  
Debbie Jones
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Family Doctors ◽  
Sexual Health Information ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics ◽  
The Uk

Globally, it is widely recognised that young people (those under the age of 25 years) are at a higher risk of developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The majority of university students studying in the UK fall within this age bracket, and to help prevent such high incidence of STIs in this age group, it is essential that advice and treatment, if required, are obtained from reliable sources. This study sought to explore sources of sexual heath advice and treatment for students at Welsh universities (n = 3007). The main sources of advice were identified as the internet (49.1%) and GP/family doctors (38.9%), whilst local sexual health clinics (24.9%) and GP/family doctor services (20.2%) were the main sources for treatment in students. Males were more likely than females to report never needing advice (AOR 2.74; CI = 2.24–3.35) or requiring treatment (AOR 1.37; CI = 1.17–1.60). The apparent lack of engagement with these services by male students is a cause for concern, although one possible solution could be to further develop online methods to increase uptake of testing. Furthermore, the popularity of the internet for advice provides a timely reminder that regulation of online sexual health information is critical.

scholarly journals Prevalence of cervical disease at age 20 after immunisation with bivalent HPV vaccine at age 12-13 in Scotland: retrospective population study

BMJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. l1161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Palmer ◽  
Lynn Wallace ◽  
Kevin G Pollock ◽  
Kate Cuschieri ◽  
Chris Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Population Study ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Herd Protection ◽  
Cervical Disease ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Objective To quantify the effect on cervical disease at age 20 years of immunisation with bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine at age 12-13 years. Design Retrospective population study, 1988-96. Setting National vaccination and cervical screening programmes in Scotland. Participants 138 692 women born between 1 January 1988 and 5 June 1996 and who had a smear test result recorded at age 20. Main outcome measures Effect of vaccination on cytology results and associated histological diagnoses from first year of screening (while aged 20), calculated using logistic regression. Results 138 692 records were retrieved. Compared with unvaccinated women born in 1988, vaccinated women born in 1995 and 1996 showed an 89% reduction (95% confidence interval 81% to 94%) in prevalent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (from 0.59% (0.48% to 0.71%) to 0.06% (0.04% to 0.11%)), an 88% reduction (83% to 92%) in CIN grade 2 or worse (from 1.44% (1.28% to 1.63%) to 0.17% (0.12% to 0.24%)), and a 79% reduction (69% to 86%) in CIN grade 1 (from 0.69% (0.58% to 0.63%) to 0.15% (0.10% to 0.21%)). Younger age at immunisation was associated with increasing vaccine effectiveness: 86% (75% to 92%) for CIN grade 3 or worse for women vaccinated at age 12-13 compared with 51% (28% to 66%) for women vaccinated at age 17. Evidence of herd protection against high grade cervical disease was found in unvaccinated girls in the 1995 and 1996 cohorts. Conclusions Routine vaccination of girls aged 12-13 years with the bivalent HPV vaccine in Scotland has led to a dramatic reduction in preinvasive cervical disease. Evidence of clinically relevant herd protection is apparent in unvaccinated women. These data are consistent with the reduced prevalence of high risk HPV in Scotland. The bivalent vaccine is confirmed as being highly effective vaccine and should greatly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. The findings will need to be considered by cervical cancer prevention programmes worldwide.

“A Pap smear saved my life”: Personal experiences of cervical abnormalities shape attitudes to cervical screening renewal

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena M Obermair ◽  
Kirsten J McCaffery ◽  
Rachael H Dodd
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Personal History ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
History Of ◽  
Screening Intervals

Objective In 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program changed from two-yearly Pap smears between ages 18 and 69, to five-yearly human papillomavirus screening between ages 25 and 74 (the “Renewal”). This study investigated attitudes towards the changes, among individuals previously affected by cervical abnormalities/cervical cancer, personally or through a friend/relative. Methods We conducted a thematic analysis of comments expressing personal history or a family/friend history of cervical abnormalities/cervical cancer as a reason for opposing changes to the cervical screening program. The comments were taken from a 20% random sample of 19,633 comments posted on the “Change.org” petition “Stop May 1st Changes to Pap Smears – Save Women's Lives” in February–March 2017. Results There were 831 (20.8%) commenters who reported that they were concerned about a change in screening due to: feelings of increased personal vulnerability to cervical cancer due to their own personal history of cervical abnormalities; comparison of extended screening intervals and later age of first screening to their own experiences; and a perception of increased personal risk due to family history. Conclusion Women previously affected by cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer, personally or through a friend/relative, expressed concern about changes to cervical screening due to perceived increased risk and feeling vulnerable due to personal history.

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