Cervical Human Papillomavirus Research Articles

Screening Methods for Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer seriously affects the health of women worldwide. Persistent infection of high-risk HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can lead to cervical cancer. There is a great need for timely and efficient screening methods for cervical cancer. The current screening methods for cervical cancer are mainly based on cervical cytology and HPV testing. Cervical cytology is made of Pap smear and liquid-based cytology,while HPV testing is based on immunological and nucleic acid level detection methods. This review introduces cervical cancer screening methods based on cytology and human papillomavirus testing in detail. The advantages and limitations of the screening methods are also summarized and compared.

A Study to Assess the Impact of Education on the Knowledge and Attitude Toward Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Among Female Healthcare Students

A Study to Assess the Impact of Education on the Knowledge and Attitude Toward Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Among Female Healthcare Students

Immunization and Screening Methods for Cervical Carcinoma in Developing Nations: A Detailed Review

Objective: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries, disproportionately affecting women in these regions due to limited access to effective screening and vaccination programs. This review synthesizes the current literature on the implementation strategies, effectiveness, and challenges of cervical cancer screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs in developing countries, aiming to highlight successful models and identify gaps in current practices. Screening, for cervical cancer in developing countries faces numerous obstacles, including logistical challenges, lack of awareness, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, strategies such as single-visit approaches, leveraging low-cost HPV DNA testing, and utilizing mobile health units have shown promise in increasing screening coverage and early detection rates. The prerequisites for effective screening highlighted include affordability, cultural acceptability, and the ability to implement large-scale screening with limited resources. HPV vaccination presents a primary prevention measure with the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. However, vaccination programs in developing countries encounter challenges in vaccine procurement, distribution, and achieving high coverage rates among the target population. Innovations in vaccine delivery, education campaigns to raise awareness, and partnerships with international health organizations are crucial for overcoming these barriers.This comprehensive review underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to cervical cancer prevention in developing countries, encompassing improvements in screening and vaccination strategies, health system strengthening, community engagement, and international collaboration. By learning from successful models and addressing identified gaps, there is a significant opportunity to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in these regions and move closer to achieving global health equity.

Research Progress of Natural Source Potential Drugs in Reversing Cervical Precancerous Lesions and Human Papillomavirus Negative Conversion

The recent breakthrough in understanding the etiology of cervical cancer has led to increased attention towards the prevention and treatment of this disease. Extensive research has confirmed a strong correlation between persistent infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the development of cervical cancer. Focusing on the pivotal role of HPV infection in the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer, there has been a surge in research aimed at developing drugs that can eradicate HPV and reverse cervical precancerous lesions. Natural drugs have attracted considerable attention in the field of tumor therapy due to their multi-targeted approach, high selectivity, and low toxic and side effects. Therefore, this paper aims to review the research progress of natural drugs in the treatment of HPV infection and cervical precancerous lesions, while also exploring their pharmacological mechanism. The goal is to provide comprehensive information basis for the potential application of natural drugs in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Urine high-risk human papillomavirus testing as an alternative to routine cervical screening: A comparative diagnostic accuracy study of two urine collection devices using a randomised study design trial.

To evaluate the sensitivity of human papillomavirus (HPV) tested urine to detect high-grade cervical precancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ [CIN2+]) using two urine collection devices. Randomised controlled trial. St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK. Colposcopy attendees with abnormal cervical screening; a total of 480 participants were randomised. Matched urine and cervical samples were available for 235 and 230 participants using a first-void urine (FVU)-collection device and standard pot, respectively. Urine was self-collected and mixed with preservative - randomised 1:1 to FVU-collection device (Novosanis Colli-pee® 10 mL with urine conservation medium [UCM]) or standard pot. Matched clinician-collected cervical samples were taken before colposcopy. HPV testing used Roche cobas® 8800. A questionnaire evaluated urine self-sampling acceptability. The primary outcome measured sensitivity of HPV-tested urine (FVU-collection device and standard pot) for CIN2+ detection. Secondary outcomes compared HPV-tested cervical and urine samples for CIN2+ and evaluated the acceptability of urine self-sampling. Urine HPV test sensitivity for CIN2+ was higher with the FVU-collection device (90.3%, 95% CI 83.7%-94.9%, 112/124) than the standard pot (73.4%, 95% CI 64.7%-80.9%, 91/124, p = 0.0005). The relative sensitivity of FVU-device-collected urine was 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.97, pMcN = 0.004) compared with cervical, considering that all women were referred after a positive cervical HPV test. Urine-based sampling was acceptable to colposcopy attendees. Testing of FVU-device-collected urine for HPV was superior to standard-pot-collected urine in colposcopy attendees and has promising sensitivity for CIN2+ detection. General population HPV testing of FVU-device-collected urine will establish its clinical performance and acceptability as an alternative to routine cervical screening.

Understanding of cervical cancer, acceptability of HPV self-collection, and prevalence of HPV in a semi-urban setting in Bangladesh.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has been implemented successfully as an alternative to traditional forms of cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings. Through Bangladesh's current national cervical cancer screening program, only about 10% of the at-risk population is reached. Thus, Bangladesh is an ideal setting to consider HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer prevention efforts. However, the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling has not been evaluated in Bangladesh. We aimed to understand levels of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in a semi-urban Bangladeshi community. Participants were recruited from a local clinic; 164 women completed a cross-sectional questionnaire about attitudes towards screening, and cervical cancer and HPV risk factor knowledge, and provided self-collected cervical samples for high-risk HPV testing. Of the participants, 4.3% tested positive for high-risk HPV and were referred for appropriate follow-up care. Nearly all participants had heard of cervical cancer, though specific knowledge was quite low. Self-sampling for high-risk HPV testing had high rates of acceptability, high rates of convenience, and very little discomfort and embarrassment reported in this study population, making implementing HPV self-sampling as a form of cervical cancer screening in Bangladesh appear feasible.

Imiquimod Is Effective in Reducing Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Topical Imiquimod is an immune response modifier approved for the off-label use of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of Imiquimod in treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patients. The study was prospectively registered (CRD420222870) and involved a comprehensive systematic search of five medical databases on 10 October 2022. We included articles that assessed the use of Imiquimod in cervical dysplasia and HPV-positive patients. Pooled proportions, risk ratios (RRs), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model to generate summary estimates. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 tested by the Cochran Q tests. Eight articles reported on 398 patients who received Imiquimod out of 672 patients. Among CIN-2-3 patients, we observed a pooled regression rate of 61% (CI: 0.46-0.75; I2: 77%). When compared, Imiquimod was inferior to conization (RR: 0.62; CI: 0.42-0.92; I2: 64%). The HPV clearance rate in women who completed Imiquimod treatment was 60% (CI: 0.31-0.81; I2: 57%). The majority of side effects reported were mild to moderate in severity. Our findings indicate that topical Imiquimod is safe and effective in reducing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and promoting HPV clearance. However, it was found to be inferior compared to conization. Imiquimod could be considered a potential medication for high-grade CIN patients and should be incorporated into guidelines for treating cervical dysplasia.

Cervical cytology and HPV distribution in Cape Verde: a snapshot of a country taken during its first HPV nation-wide vaccination campaign

Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common female cancer in Cape Verde and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. While Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which started in 2021, is anticipated to significantly reduce disease incidence, cervical screening remains crucial for non-vaccinated women. We retrospectively reviewed gynecologic cytology exams and HPV tests performed in Cape Verde between 2017 and April 2023 and processed at IMP Diagnostics. For this study, we considered 13035 women with cytology examinations performed and, 2013 of these, also with an HPV molecular test. Cytology diagnostics comprised 83% NILM cases; 12% ASC-US; 2.7% LSIL; 1.2% ASC-H; 0.5% HSIL and 0.1% SCC. In 505 (25.1%) high-risk HPV infection was detected. Prevalence of HPV infection varied with age, peaking at young ages - ≤24 years old (55.5%) and 25-35-year-old women (31.5%) - and the lowest after 66 years old (9.7%). Herein we present a comprehensive study regarding Cape Verde’s cervical cytology and HPV distribution, aiming to provide a snapshot of the country’s cervical cytology results and HPV distribution in recent years. Moreover, these data may contribute to establish a baseline to assess, in the future, the vaccination impact in the country.

Epidemiology of cervical cancer and HPV infection in Asia and Oceania.

Cancer will continue to be a major source of morbidity and mortality globally during the foreseeable future. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer is now a serious problem in both women and men. The most common HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer in females and oropharyngeal cancer in males. Eastern Africa has a high age-standardized incidence of HPV-related cancers, followed in order by Southern Africa, Central Africa, and then the rest of Africa. Among Asian and Oceania countries, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Maldives, and Myanmar have extremely high age-standardized incidences and mortality. Oropharyngeal cancer is less common than cervical cancer, but the age-standardized incidence, for both females and males, is higher in Western Europe, Northern Europe, North America, and Australia/New Zealand. Oropharyngeal cancer incidence rates differ significantly from the rates of cervical cancer within the same countries. In Asia and Oceania, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer is particularly high among females in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Australia, and it is highest among males in Bangladesh, New Caledonia, Australia, and French Polynesia. To a certain extent, cervical cancer can be reduced through the development of cervical screening programs and improvements in screening uptake. On the other hand, for oropharyngeal cancer, as of yet, no effective means of cancer screening has been established. Widespread uptake of HPV vaccine will contribute to the reduction of HPV-related cancers in Asia and Oceania, but also in the rest of the world.

A Cross-sectional Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Cervical Cancer, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection and HPV Vaccine among 9th to 12th Grade School Girls in Indore

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is most common viral infection among women between 15 to 44 age group. When administered before girls or women are exposed to the virus, HPV vaccine can prevent majority of cervical cancer occurrences. Therefore to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer,HPV infection and HPV vaccine among girls in grades 9 to 12 the current study was conducted.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between July-December 2022 in Indore governmentschools. Total 120 girls in grades 9 to 12 after receiving informed consent involved in the study. Data regarding knowledge, attitude and practice about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccination collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 25.0 (Trial version) was used for data analysis.Conclusion: Among 120 students (34.16%) and (20.83%) had heard about cervical cancer and HPV vaccinerespectively, where majority were from class 11th and 12th. The association was significant between knowledge of students and their grades (p<0.05). (3.33%) received HPV vaccine. Among unvaccinated, (68.96%) were willing to take vaccine. Hence the study found that knowledge and uptake of HPV vaccination among school girls is poor. The government needs to strengthen the various aspects of HPV education supplied in schools and HPV vaccination awareness campaigns.

Exploring the Concordance Between High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections in Cervical and Oral Sites Among Females: A Cross-Sectional Study in Punjab, Pakistan.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is widely recognized as a key contributing factor in cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. However, there has been limited research on the prevalence of concurrent HPV infections in various anatomic regions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and specific types of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infections in the cervical and oral regions of females in Punjab, Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving women seeking care for general gynecologic issues at the gynecologic Outpatient Department of Lady Wallington Hospital in Lahore. After interviews and clinical examinations, we collected whole-saliva samples and high vaginal swabs from each participant. HR-HPV detection and genotyping were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction at both the anatomic sites. In this study, 170 females, averaging 35.36 ± 8.305 years, participated. HR-HPV infection was more prevalent in the cervix (83/170 [48.8%]) than in the oral cavity (19/170 [11.2%]). Concordant HPV infections occurred in 10/170 participants (5.9%). HPV 16 was the most common genotype in cervical and oral locations, at rates of 21.8% and 5.3%, respectively, among concordant HR-HPV types. Socioeconomic status (P = .013), age at first sexual intercourse (P = .015), and history of oral sex (P = .01) were significantly associated with concurrent HR-HPV infection in both regions. This study suggests that HR-HPV cervical infections may increase the risk of oral transmission, especially during orogenital sexual practices. Thus, it is important to recognize that HPV infections may be linked in both areas. We emphasize the importance of comprehensive cervical and oral examinations and HPV vaccination in young women irrespective of their sexual practices.

Naturally developed HPV16 antibodies and risk of newly detected cervical HPV infection outcomes.

Little is known about the protection conferred by antibodies from natural human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Our objective was to evaluate the association between HPV16 seroreactivity and HPV16 redetection, newly detected HPV infections, and loss of HPV DNA detection during follow-up. We analyzed data from 2462 unvaccinated Brazilian women. HPV16 IgG and neutralizing antibodies at baseline were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 1975) and by the pseudovirus-based papillomavirus neutralization assay (n = 487). HPV detection, genotyping, and viral load were assessed by PCR-based methods. The associations were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. We observed a positive association between HPV16 IgG seroreactivity and redetection of HPV16 infections. Age-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranged from 2.45 (1.04-5.74) to 5.10 (1.37-19.00). Positive associations were also observed between HPV16 IgG antibodies and (1) newly detected HPV infections by genotypes unrelated to HPV16 (age-adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.32 [1.08-1.2]) and (2) loss of detection of HPV infections by genotypes unrelated to HPV16 (age-adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.24 [1.03-1.50]). Naturally developed HPV16 antibodies do not prevent recurrent HPV infections. Overall HPV16 IgG and neutralizing antibodies seem to be serological markers for latent or past infections.

Epidemiological Profile of Human Papillomavirus in a Healthcare Center in Portugal: Implications for Public Health Policies.

Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a prevalent sexually transmitted disease, affects the majority of sexually active individuals at least once in their lifetime. Cervical cancer stands as a significant contributor to mortality among women. Cervical cancer screening (CCS) and HPV vaccination are recent, with few studies about their impact on the prevalence of HPV types. The emergence of novel predominant pathogen strains can be driven by vaccine-induced pathogen strain replacement, thereby enhancing and altering selection. Objective The aim of the study was to characterize the high-risk (HR) HPV infection in two Portuguese primary care units (PCUs). Materials and methods In this observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, we included women aged 25-64 years and registered in two PCUs, who were screened by SiiMA Rastreios (population-based screening management application), and were HR-HPV positive, between August 2015 and May 2018. The results of cervical cancer screening (CCS) can be accessed through the SiiMA Rastreios information system. For data treatment, we used MS Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, USA), IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA), and non-parametric tests. Results In our study, we included 4,614 women aged between 25 and 64 years old. CCS was performed on 24.47%, of whom 39.95% were tested for HR-HPV. The infection rate was 18.85%, and all 14 types of infection were identified. The most common HPV type was 31, followed by 16 and 68. We found HPV other than 16/18 in 84.43%. We found coinfections in 34.1%, with no statistically significant difference by age group. In the 25-34 age group, the incidence of infection was 33.7% vs. 17.54% in the 35-54 age group and 4.55% in the 55-64 age group. HPV16 was the most common infection in the 25-34 age group. In nulliparous women, the most common was HPV31. The relationship between smoking habits and HR-HPV infection was statistically significant, but economic insufficiency was not. Conclusion The infection incidence in this study was slightly higher than in the 2011 national study. Statistically, the infection rate was significantly higher in the younger age groups. The most frequent type varied from the national and international study results. This may be due to regional differences in HPV infection, changes in the pattern of incidence, or the effect of vaccination. The HPV pattern may be changing, so the scientific community must keep updated to develop increasingly efficient screening and vaccination programs.

Opportunities for cancer prevention at syringe services programs: acceptability of HPV self-sampling and vaccination among people who inject drugs

IntroductionDespite having a high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, people who inject drugs (PWID) often do not receive recommended HPV screenings due to barriers to healthcare. Guideline-based cervical HPV screening and vaccination can prevent cervical cancer. Low-cost, low-barrier methods for cancer screening and prevention are important for vulnerable communities such as PWID.MethodsWe examined acceptability of HPV self-sampling at a syringe services program (SSP). Participants with a cervix (n = 49) participated in patient education followed by a survey to assess willingness to perform HPV self-sampling versus standard of care.Results59% found self-sampling to be acceptable, citing privacy, ease, and quickness. Among those opting for HPV screening delivered by a provider (n = 16), participants cited concerns about adequate sampling (81%) and test accuracy (75%). Notably, only 18% of participants reported complete HPV vaccination.ConclusionCervical HPV self-sampling was acceptable to PWID. SSP-based efforts to provide preventative health services could place tools for cancer screening into the hands of PWID, a need-to-reach community.

Cervical cancer in Thailand: 2023 update.

Cervical cancer continues to pose a challenge to the health of Thai women, as the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Since high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type is the main cause for cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease. At present, the World Health Organization hopes to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer to 4 or less cases per 100,000 women per year using 90-70-90% intervention by 2030. The first intervention involves vaccinating 90% of women aged 15 years with the HPV vaccine. The second intervention involves screening 70% of women between the ages of 35 and 45 years using a high-performance screening test. The third intervention involves detecting cervical lesions in 90% of affected women to enable diagnosis and treatment. In this context, this study reviews trends in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Thailand, in addition to providing an up to date overview of the causes and necessary risk factors for cervical cancer, as well as reporting on cervical screening and HPV vaccination rates and cervical cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study may prove useful for the formulation of policy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Thailand, such as the implementation of a free HPV vaccine service (recommended for women aged 26 or below) and providing at-home kits for cervical cancer screening through clinics and pharmacies. In addition, this review also highlights the need for further research on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on cervical cancer screening rates in Thailand.

Abstract 821: Uptake of cervical cancer screening services by women living with HIV in Kajiado County Kenya

Abstract Background: This project is an African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) facilitated study: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are more susceptible to cancer due to their immune-compromised status. The Kenya Ministry of Health recommends that women diagnosed with HIV should be screened for cervical cancer annually by either visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) or visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine (VILI), cytology and testing for HPV once every two years. Objective: We determined the uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV testing by women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Kajiado County in 2022. Methodology: The electronic health information system was used to abstract data for WLHIV in Kajiado county. Kajiado county has 57 antiretroviral (ART) facilities. However, our analysis accessed data from 38 facilities whose data is captured in the health information system. Authorized health care workers from the county were requested to abstract redacted data from the health information system. No personal identifiers were collected from the system as a means of protecting the privacy of individuals and abiding with the Kenya’s data protection law. Authorization to access the county was obtained from the county’s department of health while ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University’s Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee. Results: A total of 16,827 people living with HIV were enrolled for care at the 38 ART selected sites in 2022. Out on the total population that was enrolled for care, 11,785 (70%) were women with an age range of 15 to 49 years. A total of 3342 WLHIV, representing 28.36% of the target population, were screened by using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Data for other methods of screening and HPV testing was not available in the health information systems. Of those screened, 3240 (97%) tested negative, 78 (2.3%) had positive results while 24 (0.7%) had suspicious lesions. Conclusion: Our analysis shows low uptake of cervical cancer screening services with only 28.36% of the targeted women being screened in 2022. The only available testing method (VIA) is less robust as compared to cytology and HPV testing. We also found a gap in reporting of HPV testing in the county. We thus recommend implementation science research examining the systemic barriers to HPV testing and reporting to better inform best practice HPV-related cancer prevention and control policy and practice to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality among WLHIV. Citation Format: Caren Kamau, Alice Njoroge, Francis Makokha, Kimlin T. Ashing. Uptake of cervical cancer screening services by women living with HIV in Kajiado County Kenya [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 821.

Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccines: A primer for General Physicians

India contributes close to 20% of the global cervical cancer burden. This article reviews the preventive strategies against cervical cancer and suggest a few way forward for the prevention of cervical cancer in India. A literature review of online databases (Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus) and reports from government websites regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in India was conducted. Currently, four different HPV vaccines are available in India: a bivalent vaccine, a nonavalent vaccine and two quadrivalent vaccines. To reduce India’s cervical cancer burden, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has advocated the widespread implementation of HPV vaccination. An indigenous HPV vaccine was given market authorisation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in July 2022. There is a need to raise awareness regarding the benefits of HPV vaccines in India. The introduction of indigenous HPV vaccine might enhance the supply logistics and may increase the uptake of the vaccine.

Less known but greatly feared: Cervical cancer in Ethiopia, community awareness

To improve a community's awareness and attitude towards cervical cancer, strong evidence is needed to inform contextually appropriate policies. This study aims to explore community awareness about cervical cancer from the perspective of women, men and health extension workers (HEWs). The research was conducted from May to July 2021 in Jimma, Ethiopia. A total of 23 in-depth interviews were conducted. The study included married and unmarried women (15–19 and 25–29 years old), men of similar ages (married and unmarried), and HEWs. Furthermore, eight separate focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with both men and women. Thematic analysis was used to draw findings from the interviews and FGDs. Community awareness about cervical cancer was very limited. However, people who knew of it believed that cancer is fatal. A few participants were aware of cervical cancer through its symptoms, but most people did not know it by name and had never heard about HPV as the cause of cervical cancer. There was little understanding of HPV risk, transmission factors, prevention, vaccination, screening, or treatment. Participants considered their participation in this study as their first chance to learn about the disease. HEWs had limited knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. Study participants demonstrated favorable attitudes towards HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment after they received basic information about cervical cancer from the data collectors. Participants and HEWs strongly suggested awareness creation programs for the wider community members, including active involvement of men and HEWs in cervical cancer interventions. There is a critical information gap regarding cervical cancer, its cause and risk factors, HPV transmission, cervical screening, and treatment programs. Limited community awareness leads to poor uptake of cervical screening in the few settings where it is available. Therefore, community awareness programs about HPV, cervical cancer, and available services should improve the community's awareness of cervical cancer and HPV.

Training on cervical cancer and HPV vaccine for 9-13 years’ adolescent girls

This community service project aimed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of the HPV vaccine for 9-13-year-old girls and their parents. The training was designed to address the knowledge gap regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among 9-13-year-old girls and their parents, we can empower them to make informed decisions about vaccination. Before the implementation of training, a community survey was conducted. The findings of the survey helped us to identify gaps in knowledge and attitudes and inform the development of training as an intervention. Through training & distributed training materials the outcome of the community service was achieved. The knowledge of school adolescent girls was evaluated and improved. The uptake of HPV vaccination was increased and all unvaccinated school girls were vaccinated after training. Training participants were empowered to correct any misconceptions within the community. Hopefully, this community service provide input for others to adopt and apply in other similar schools.

Perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among women in India

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women. However, it is preventable to the extent of 90%. The acceptability of HPV vaccination is very low in the rural settings. The Health Belief Model can effectively address problem behaviours that evoke health concerns. The study was done to find out the factors that shape the perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among reproductive age group women. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in a rural area of Hooghly district. A total of 119 study participants were selected using two-stage Sampling and their knowledge and perceptions regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination were assessed using a validated interview schedule based on the constructs of Health Belief Model. The factors that drive the perceptions were determined using Multiple Logistic Regression analysis. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16 version. The results showed that the median age of the study participants was 30 years and 15.1% had family history of cancer. Majority of them (71.4%) had unsatisfactory knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Among the HBM constructs, perceived susceptibility and self- efficacy had 26.9% and 18.5% unsatisfactory responses respectively. Age (AOR=8.29, 95% CI=1.01–68.25), Education (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.22–15.17) and knowledge (AOR=3.06, 95% CI=1.63–10.60) were significant predictors of satisfactory perceptions. Education, adequate knowledge and younger age were the factors that shaped the perceptions and readiness for HPV vaccination. The HBM can be used to devise robust interventions to improve readiness.