Awareness of Female Patients Towards HPV Vaccine and Pap Smear at Maternity and Children Hospital in the City of Makkah, Saudi Arabi

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the leading life-threatening cancers around the globe. In fact, it is the fourth most common reported cancer in women with an estimate of 530,000 cases every year. In Saudi Arabia, a recent report from the Human papilloma virus (HPV) information centre has indicated annual cases of 358 diagnosed cervical cancer, placing it as the eighth most frequent cancer in the country. Such disease has been found to have a strong association with HPV infection as the primary risk factor. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) around the world, where certain oncogenic types of the infection can result in serious consequences in the female above 15 years of age, mainly cervical cancer. Nevertheless, there is an obvious limitation in data from Saudi Arabia regarding such infection and its complications. In Saudi Arabia, HPV vaccine has been available since 2010 for all women upon request or if prescribed by their physicians. However, despite its availability to public, statistics showed low rates of vaccine endorsement as well as Pap smear test among Saudi women. This study aimed to assess the knowledge gap and attitude of women in Makkah city towards HPV vaccine along with Pap smear screen test. Our results have shown a remarkable lack of awareness from the participants in regards to the HPV vaccine and Pap smear, although their awareness about the cervical cancer was high. The data also pointed out a possible malpractice of some physicians toward the recommendation of Pap smear test to their patients. In conclusion, there is still a clear gap in the knowledge and attitude from our participants towards the prevention measures of HPV infection and cervical cancer, which would possibly affect the roll out of HPV vaccine program. Therefore, more health promotion programs and campaign are needed to ensure success of the vaccine roll out and help avoid further complication of such disease

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception Towards Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Among the General Population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Understanding the knowledge and perceptions of this population is essential for tailored interventions that address cultural and religious factors influencing HPV vaccination decisions. Studies conducted at Makkah City's Maternity and Children Hospital revealed surprisingly low awareness among participants regarding HPV vaccination and Pap smears despite high levels of awareness about cervical cancer [2]. The findings suggest a potential gap in communication and education provided by healthcare providers in Makkah City, emphasizing the significance of further investigating healthcare professionals' practices and recommendations related to HPV vaccination.…”

“…affect women between the ages of 15 and 44 [2]. The incidence of cervical cancer has been on the rise, with late-stage diagnoses complicating treatment and contributing to elevated morbidity and mortality rates [2,4].…”

“…Efforts to control cervical cancer have been primarily focused on early detection through cervical screening tests, such as the Pap smear, and the development of vaccines targeting HPV strains [5]. Cervarix (bivalent) and Gardasil-4 (quadrivalent), two preventive HPV vaccines available since 2010, have been extensively distributed among females aged 11-26 in Saudi Arabia [1,2] for the prevention of genital warts and associated cervical lesions such as precancerous and cancerous changes. Although HPV vaccines are available and effective, their uptake remains low in Saudi Arabia, posing a significant barrier to cervical cancer prevention [1].…”

“…As an important religious and cultural hub, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. [2]. Consequently, collecting data from Makkah City reflects a diverse population from various regions of Saudi Arabia and international visitors.…”

“…The findings suggest a potential gap in communication and education provided by healthcare providers in Makkah City, emphasizing the significance of further investigating healthcare professionals' practices and recommendations related to HPV vaccination. Research conducted in Makkah City have uncovered an alarming lack of knowledge among female patients about HPV infection, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine [2]. Although awareness about cervical cancer is high, there remains a gap in understanding regarding how HPV infection influence contributes to cervical cancer development and the benefits of vaccination [2].…”