In an age where information is more accessible than ever, the effective dissemination of health-related knowledge can significantly impact public health measures. The human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread sexually transmitted infection known to cause various cancers, has been the focus of numerous public health campaigns and vaccination efforts. A study evaluating HPV knowledge, vaccine uptake, and testing among female university students in Cyprus sheds light on how education can influence health-related behaviors.
Researchers Charalambous Ioanna I, Ioannou Gavriella G, Nikolaou Stefania S, Theologou Rafaella R, Yiallourou Anneza A, Papatheodorou Stefania S, Pantavou Katerina G, and Nikolopoulos Georgios K from the Medical School of the University of Cyprus and Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, have conducted a cross-sectional study to examine HPV-related awareness among young women. Their findings, reported in the journal Women & Health, underscore the necessity of improving knowledge to bolster the rates of HPV vaccination.
Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can result in severe health consequences, including various forms of cancer, particularly cervical cancer. While vaccination against HPV offers a significant defense against infection, vaccine uptake remains a challenge. The study by Ioanna et al., set out in March-April 2017, aimed at assessing levels of knowledge concerning HPV and its vaccine as well as the testing practices among female students at the University of Cyprus.
Methodology
The study employed a questionnaire comprising 37 items covering demographics, general HPV-related knowledge, and specifics regarding HPV vaccination and testing. A sample of 283 females, aged 18-25 years (mean age: 19.7 ± 1.5), participated, self-reporting their awareness and engagement with HPV health practices.
Results
The results highlighted that approximately 53.7% of the participants were aware of HPV, suggesting a significant gap in knowledge amongst almost half of the sample. The study reported that only 30.7% had been vaccinated, and 38.8% were informed of the recent inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Schedule of Cyprus. Additionally, a minority had undergone preventative screenings, with just 14.3% reporting a previous Pap-test and merely 3.4% an HPV DNA test. The mean Overall Knowledge Index—a measure of accurate HPV knowledge—stood at 6.1 (±3.8) out of a maximum of 25 correct answers. Importantly, there was a positive correlation between the knowledge index and vaccine uptake (adjusted Odds ratio: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.24), affirming that more informed individuals were more likely to be vaccinated.
Discussion
Despite the high prevalence of HPV and its associated risks, there is a noticeable deficiency in knowledge among young women in Cyprus. The relatively low levels of vaccination and screening reinforce the urgency of enhanced educational campaigns and accessible information on HPV and the vital importance of vaccination and early testing to prevent cancer.
The associations shown in the study between knowledge levels and vaccine uptake also underscore the need for comprehensive educational programs and strategies to reach young adults, who might otherwise overlook the benefits of preventive health measures, including vaccination.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine to the National Immunization Schedule is a significant step toward improving HPV-related health outcomes in Cyprus. However, the study suggests that simply making vaccines available is not enough; effective communication and education are crucial to achieving high vaccination rates.
Conclusion
The findings by Ioanna et al. emphasize that to increase the rates of HPV vaccination, there must be a concerted effort to improve knowledge about HPV among young women. Educational institutions have a role to play by integrating HPV awareness programs and ensuring that students have access to reliable information and resources. With proper education, young women will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual health and take proactive measures to protect themselves against HPV and its potential consequences.
References
1. Charalambous, I. I., Ioannou, G. G., Nikolaou, S. S., Theologou, R. R., Yiallourou, A. A., Papatheodorou, S. S., Pantavou, K. G., & Nikolopoulos, G. K. (2020). State of knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine and testing: A cross-sectional study among female university students in Cyprus. Women & Health, 60(1), 26-42. doi:10.1080/03630242.2019.1610825
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer
3. Markowitz, L. E., Dunne, E. F., Saraiya, M., Lawson, H. W., Chesson, H., & Unger, E. R. (2007). Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recommendations and reports: Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 56(RR-2), 1-24.
4. Brewer, N. T., Fazekas, K. I. (2007). Predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability: A theory-informed, systematic review. Preventive Medicine, 45(2-3), 107-114. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.05.013
5. Winer, R. L., Lee, S. K., Hughes, J. P., Adam, D. E., Kiviat, N. B., & Koutsky, L. A. (2003). Genital human papillomavirus infection: Incidence and risk factors in a cohort of female university students. American Journal of Epidemiology, 157(3), 218-226.
Keywords
1. HPV awareness Cyprus
2. Cervical cancer prevention
3. HPV vaccine uptake
4. Young women health education
5. HPV screening programs
The importance of bolstering HPV-related knowledge becomes clear in light of studies like the one performed by Ioanna and colleagues. By bridging the information gap and encouraging vaccination and regular testing, public health authorities and educational institutions can help prevent HPV-related diseases among young women in Cyprus and beyond.