Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus infection and human papillomavirus vaccine among Kazakhstani women attending gynecological clinics

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains one of the top causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality all over the world. Currently, however, there are no published studies to assess the knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer in Kazakhstan. This study aimed to assess the awareness of HPV, the knowledge of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer, and the awareness of HPV vaccination among Kazakhstani women visiting gynecological clinics across the country. In addition, the study aimed to identify the factors associated with the awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine and knowledge of HPV as a major cause of cervical cancer. This was a cross-sectional survey-based study with 2,272 women aged between 18–70 years attending gynecological clinics, who were administered paper-based questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics consisting of mean values, standard deviations, and frequencies, where applicable. Differences in categorical variables between groups were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a significance value of <0.005. Crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% corresponding confidence intervals were calculated in regression analysis using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. The mean age of participants was 36.33±10.09 years. More than half (53%) of the participants had been screened for cervical cancer. Among those who were aware of HPV, 46% knew that HPV causes cervical cancer and 52% were aware of the HPV vaccine. The key factors related to outcome variables were age, ethnicity, education, family, number of deliveries, and menarche. From a subgroup analysis, results from the HPV test and Pap smear test were factors related to dependent variables such as awareness of HPV and awareness of HPV vaccination.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Have Eligible Daughters in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia

“…In the current study, nearly two-thirds of the study participants (63.4%) heard about the HPV vaccine. This finding is lower than a study done in Brazil (75.91%) 19 but higher than the studies conducted in Bangladesh (56%), 22 Nigeria (36.5%), 23 Arab Communities (26.1%), 24 Kazakhstani (52%), 25 and Lebanon (34%). 26 The possible explanation for these differences might be due to the difference in the access to information since the study in Nigeria is an institutional base.…”

What Factors Are Associated with Attitudes towards HPV Vaccination among Kazakhstani Women? Exploratory Analysis of Cross-Sectional Survey Data

“…Thus, this is the first study that aimed to examine attitudes toward HPV vaccination and explore factors associated with a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination in Kazakhstani women. Since HR-HPV prevalence is high among women in Kazakhstan [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 21 ], and cervical cancer incidence has increased in the past decade [ 16 ], becoming the fourth leading cause of death from cancer among women [ 35 ], it is important to implement primary prevention of HPV infection and its related diseases in the country. However, the successful relaunching of the HPV vaccination program largely depends on HPV vaccine attitudes; therefore, studies investigating society’s attitudes towards the vaccine are an essential part of facilitating the process.…”

“…In 2013, the HPV vaccination campaign was introduced in Kazakhstan as a pilot program in four large regions [ 21 ]. Bivalent and tetravalent HPV vaccines were approved for the campaign, targeting 11–12-year-old girls [ 18 ].…”

“…Bivalent and tetravalent HPV vaccines were approved for the campaign, targeting 11–12-year-old girls [ 18 ]. However, the lack of an HPV vaccination awareness campaign that should have preceded and accompanied the vaccination program and the influence of social media’s negative content on the program have led to a negative public reaction and unwillingness of parents to vaccinate their children against HPV [ 18 , 21 , 22 ]. Parents refused to vaccinate their daughters due to concerns about the HPV vaccine’s safety and efficacy [ 23 ].…”

Assessing the Level of Knowledge, Beliefs and Acceptance of HPV Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Romania

“…Understanding the general population’s personal beliefs regarding HPV vaccination and assessing their level of knowledge on HPV as an etiological agent for CC are inextricably linked to development of an effective health policy supporting HPV vaccination and CC screening programs [ 22 ]. Population-based information programs have the potential of raising awareness by providing accurate information about HPV infection and its role in developing CC, as well as information regarding the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccine [ 22 , 23 ].…”