Abstract
To verify the internal construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of a tool for measuring the general population's knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV). A cross-culturally adapted Brazilian Portuguese version of a measurement tool originally designed for English speaking populations was administered to 330 adults in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. After examining the overall suitability of the method, we performed investigations based on the item response theory and exploratory factor analysis. Ten of the 29 items presented a low contribution to the construct and were excluded from subsequent analysis. The factor analysis yielded three factors, which explained approximately 51% of the variance variability. A different arrangement from the original measurement tool was found: general HPV knowledge, with six items; HPV vaccination knowledge, with five items; HPV transmission and testing knowledge, with eight items. The Brazilian Portuguese version under study presented a different behavior from the original measurement tool, but proved to be a reliable and valid instrument in assessing the Brazilian population's knowledge about HPV.
Highlights
The persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical can‐ cer and is associated with neoplasms in other tissues
After examining the overall suitability of the method, we performed investigations based on the item response theory and exploratory factor analysis
The Brazilian Portuguese version under study presented a different behavior from the original measurement tool, but proved to be a reliable and valid instrument in assessing the Brazilian population’s knowledge about HPV
Summary
The persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical can‐ cer and is associated with neoplasms in other tissues. Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women in low- and middle-income countries[1]. According to recent estimates by the HPV Information Center[2], cervical cancer is the third most frequent among women aged 15–44 years in Brazil. Infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases, can be prevented through vaccination[3]. Vaccine coverage is low among adoles‐ cents, the target population of HPV immunoprophylaxis in Brazil[4]. Some authors have argued that the low HPV vaccine uptake in Brazil may be due to fear of adverse reac‐ tions (following media reports of neurological symptoms in clusters of girls in Brazil), parental vaccine hesitancy, and/or logistical challenges to vaccinating adolescents at health care centers[5,6]
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