Awareness, Attitudes, Practices and Continuation of HPV Vaccines in Lebanon [7R

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: HPV is a major cause of anogenital, oropharyngeal and penile cancers. Currently, there are three safe and effective HPV vaccines, however introducing them in the Middle East is slow for various social, cultural and religious reasons. METHODS: At the women health center of the AUBMC, HPV vaccination was offered to women and their daughters since 2007. We will present a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database on 563 Lebanese females who received these vaccines. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2017, a total of 563 females were HPV vaccinated. (379 (67%) had Gardasil and 183 (33%) had Cervarix; P=0.00). Their average age was 25.64±5.86(12.16-51.12). hundred 449 (87%) completed 3 doses and 67 (13%) took only 2 doses. The 3 doses completion was highest between 2007-2013 [329/449 (72%)] while the 2 doses completion was more common from 2013-2017 [47/57 (70%)]. 2/175 (1.13%) of those who received Gardasil had subsequent abnormal Pap smears (mostly LSIL) after an average of 33 months, while 5/91 (5.5%) of those who received Cervarix had abnormal Pap smears [ASCUS: 3/91 (3.3%); HSIL: 2/91 (2.2%,) after an average of 5 months and 1 month respectively]. The average abnormal cytology rates at AUBMC is 1.9-2.2% during that period of time. CONCLUSION: We report successful introduction and continuation of HPV vaccine into our private patient Middle-Eastern population. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the proper impact on genital warts, pre-cancerous genital lesions and genital and other cancers.