Knowledge about HPV and vaccination among young adult men and women: Results of a national survey

Abstract

BackgroundIn addition to screening by Pap smears, vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can dramatically reduce cervical cancers caused by the virus. The acceptance of HPV vaccination is directly related to HPV knowledge. This research aimed to evaluate knowledge about HPV and vaccination among men and women aged 16–25 years who use the public health system in Brazil.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multicenter study of sexually active young adults recruited from 119 primary care units between 2016 and 2017. All participants answered a face-to-face standardized questionnaire.ResultsOf 8581 participants, the mean percentage of correct answers about HPV and vaccination was 51.79% (95% CI 50.90-52.67), but 75.91% (95% CI 74.13-77.69) had awareness of the HPV vaccination. Women answered a higher proportion of questions correctly than men did (p = 0.0003). Lower education level was the variable that most interfered with knowledge. The best information sources for knowledge were both health professionals and the media (1.33%, 95% CI 1.03-1.70).ConclusionsThe results emphasize the importance of educational programs about HPV and vaccination among young adults, especially in socially disadvantaged populations. These findings can help to increase the vaccination rate in the country and to stimulate public health policies.

­­Human papillomavirus and Chinese international students in the United States: attitudes, knowledge, vaccination trends, healthcare behaviors, and sexual activity

“…Regression analysis found the best predictors for self-perceived HPV knowledge were HPV vaccination status and perceived likelihood of personal infection, which is similar to previous reports on the relationship between knowledge and vaccination rates. 13,14,20,21 Moreover, the observed lower levels of self-perceived HPV knowledge among males could help explain their lower vaccination rates compared to females.…”

“…The issue of cost is noted as a central barrier to HPV vaccination in both China and the USA, and the study's findings further illustrate the trend that those with the highest willingness for vaccination also express a higher willingness to pay to acquire the HPV vaccine. 14,[20][21][22] Females were significantly more willing to pay than males, which likely relates to higher HPV vaccination rates among females. Moreover, when students were asked regarding their theoretical willingness to obtain the HPV vaccine if it were presented to them free of charge, over nine in ten indicated that they would opt for vaccination, conveying the draw of no-cost vaccination.…”

Genç Erişkinlerin Human Papilloma Virüs (HPV) ve HPV Aşısına İlişkin Bilgi ve Görüşleri: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

“…(2019) tarafından yapılan çalışmada kadınların %56,5'i ve erkeklerin %43,4'ü HPV hakkında yeterli bilgi sahibi olduklarını bildirmiştir. 13 Human Papilloma Virüs hakkında bilgi düzeyinin kadınlarda erkeklerden yüksek olma sonucu literatürle uyumludur. 9,13 Cinsiyete göre HPV bilgi düzeyi arasındaki farkın HPV aşılamasının öncelikle kadınlara yönelik olmasından, kadınların birinci basamak sağlık hizmetlerine daha sık başvurmasından ve koruyucu sağlık hizmetlerinin erkeklerden çok kadınlara yönelik olmasından kaynaklandığı düşünülmektedir.…”

Adolescents and young adults’ (AYA) views on their cancer knowledge prior to diagnosis: Findings from a qualitative study involving AYA receiving cancer care

“…That research has shown that (healthy) AYA have limited knowledge of key cancer risk factors and symptoms 15‐18 . Studies have also highlighted deficiencies in (healthy) AYA’s knowledge of cancer‐related personal health surveillance (self‐examination) practices and public health initiatives (such as HPV vaccination and cervical screening programmes) 19‐25 . It has been suggested that these knowledge gaps may lead to delays in symptom recognition, help‐seeking and diagnosis.…”

“…[15][16][17][18] Studies have also highlighted deficiencies in (healthy) AYA's knowledge of cancer-related personal health surveillance (self-examination) practices and public health initiatives (such as HPV vaccination and cervical screening programmes). [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] It has been suggested that these knowledge gaps may lead to delays in symptom recognition, help-seeking and diagnosis. Late diagnosis is commonly associated with poorer outcomes, and preventable delays are a prominent concern in the AYA cancer literature.…”