ABSTRACT

To investigate the awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and acceptance of HPV vaccine among women who present to gynecology outpatient clinics at a tertiary referral hospital in South Mediterranean region of Turkey.

A total of 426 women aging between 18 and 65 who applied to gynecology outpatient clinics between January and April 2015 were included in analysis in order to evaluate the awareness and knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination. In the present study, “Participant Knowledge Form” and “HPV Knowledge Evaluation Questionnaire” were used, which were developed by authors after analyzing the relevant literature. Study data were analyzed with SPSS 21 computer software. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean± standard deviation, and number (percentage).

Among 426 participants that were included in the study, mean age was 32.3±10.1 years. Two hundred and fifty-eight (60.6%) stated that they have not heard about HPV, whereas 168 (39.4%) stated otherwise. On the other hand, 141 participants (33.1%) heard about HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination was accepted by 182 (42.7%) participants, whereas 244 (57.3%) women did not accept vaccination.

In the present study, it was concluded that women who present to gynecology outpatient clinics did not have adequate knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccination. For the purposes of public health education, written, verbal and visual educational programs should be implemented at schools, hospitals and internet.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine, cervical cancer