Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus knowledge and vaccination status in women applying to Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Training Centres

Hüsna Sarıca Çevik, Gülsüm Öztürk Emiral, Cihan Deprem, Serpil Özbek, Şita Neşe Canoler, Aybike Özdoğan, Nuran İçöz Kılıçarslan

Keywords: Human papillomavirus, knowledge, vaccination

Aim:

Cervical cancer screening for women aged 30-65 occurs in Turkish primary healthcare. Investigating factors affecting HPV knowledge is crucial for effective public health strategies. This study aimed to assess HPV knowledge and vaccination status among women undergoing cervical cancer screening at Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Training Centres in Çankaya, Turkey.

Method:

This cross-sectional study, conducted between 15.10.2022-15.01.2023, utilised a questionnaire with three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, "HPV Knowledge Scale(HPV-KS)", and "Health Belief Model Scale for HPV and its Vaccination(HBMS-HPV)". Mann-Whitney U/Kruskal Wallis tests were used for univariate data analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with variables with a significance level of p<0.05 in univariate analyses.

Results:

Only 26.3% of the total 490 participants stated that they had received training on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 5.9% of women were vaccinated against HPV, and among women with children aged 9-26, only 6% had their children vaccinated. The proposition that the participants answered most correctly from HPV-KS was "Having many sexual partners increases the risk of getting HPV"(60.6%); the most incorrectly answered proposition was "HPV usually doesn't need any treatment”(%43.5). Multivariate analysis revealed higher HPV knowledge in those under 40, with a bachelor's degree or higher, those trained on STIs, and those who recommended vaccination for themselves and their children by healthcare professionals (HCPs). A positive correlation existed between HPV-KS scores and the HBMS-HPV.

Conclusions:

Younger individuals showed higher HPV knowledge, suggesting greater potential for benefit from vaccination and prevention strategies. Education at higher levels can enhance overall HPV understanding. Comprehensive STI training can boost HPV knowledge. Trust in HCPs makes vaccination recommendations influential in shaping patient knowledge and attitudes. Educational initiatives to raise information and awareness, especially in older age groups and lower education levels, comprehensive STI education and encouraging HCPs to discuss HPV and vaccination would be effective in increasing HPV knowledge levels.

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