A study of women's knowledge regarding human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccines.

Full Abstract

AIMS:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted viral infection and is associated with the development of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are now undergoing phase 3 clinical trials in Australia. It is likely that an HPV vaccine will become licensed for use in the near future.

METHODS:
Ninety women aged 18-30 years from three different groups (those attending a dysplasia clinic, a local university health service and participants currently involved in a phase 3 HPV vaccine trial) completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge base regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, Pap tests and HPV vaccines.

RESULTS:
Respondents demonstrated good understanding of the Pap test and interpretation of an abnormal result. Most respondents (89%) had heard of HPV and attributed a number of different clinical symptoms to infection. For women who had not heard of an HPV vaccine, 79% of respondents stated that the most common resource they would use to obtain further information is their general practitioner.

DISCUSSION:
Many women do not understand the risk factors for HPV infection, the clinical problems it may cause and the potential long-term complications of infection. Few women have heard of a HPV vaccine, but most women surveyed would approach their general practitioner for more information if one became available.

CONCLUSION:
This study highlights the need for further education regarding HPV infection and the potential long-term complications such as cervical cancer. It also demonstrates that education of general practitioners regarding an HPV vaccine is essential, as this is the most likely resource women will use to obtain further information in the future.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Giles, Michelle (M); Garland, Suzanne (S);

Affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia. michelle.giles(-atsign-)rwh.org.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology (Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Aug; vol 46 (issue 4) : pp 311-5

Dates: Created 2006/07/26; Completed 2006/11/28;

PMID: 16866792, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia - prevention & control
Female
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Papillomaviridae - immunology

Papillomavirus Infections - prevention & control
Papillomavirus Vaccines
Questionnaires
Risk Factors
Sexual Behavior
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - prevention & control
Vaginal Smears
Victoria

Associated Chemicals: Papillomavirus Vaccines (0)

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.