HPV Infection, HPV Vaccines and Cervical Cancer Awareness: A Multi-Centric Survey Study in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Our purpose was to examine the level of knowledge and awareness about HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection, HPV vaccines, and cervical cancer of participants. This study was conducted at students and healthcare workers of Uskudar University as well as the healthcare workers of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital and patients admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinics. A 41-question survey was conducted that investigated the 700 participants’ demographic characteristics, HPV infection and cervical cancer status, and attitudes toward vaccination. 44.1% of the participants stated that they knew the cause of cervical cancer, 42.8% did not. 55.9% of those who went to regular doctor control, 38.5% of those who did not, knew that the HPV vaccine prevented warts and cervical cancer. 63.4% of men and 75.4% of women stated that they did not know whether the vaccine was effective against penile, anal and laryngeal cancer. All these were found to be statistically significant (P < .05). Lack of knowledge on vaccine protection, insufficient knowledge regarding HPV, prevalence of prejudices, and overall opinions about health are the most prevalent public health concerns in Turkey.