Assessment of adults’ misconceptions for Human papilloma virus through development of an instrument

Abstract Background Misconceptions, myths, and conspiracy theories surrounding Human papilloma virus (HPV) are prevalent and diverse. To comprehensively address these misconceptions about HPV, the HPV Misconceptions Scale (HPV-MS) was developed and implemented, which supports public health initiatives aimed at combating HPV-related diseases. Methods This methodological and cross-sectional study collected data from May 2 to June 28, 2022, involving two sequential participant groups, starting with 150 and expanding to 471 individuals. The survey, which collected demographic data, HPV-MS responses, variables thought to be associated with HPV-MS scores, and knowledge levels using the HPV Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS), was distributed via social networks and analyzed using SPSS and JASP. Results The HPV-MS, which includes 26 items and explains 46.8% of the variance, demonstrated substantial reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.691. The scores ranged from 2 to 20, with a median score of 14. Higher HPV-MS scores, indicating fewer misconceptions, were associated with younger age, higher education levels, absence of a family history of cervical cancer, and greater knowledge about HPV. Analysis revealed that HPV-KS scores were significant predictors of HPV-MS outcomes, even when controlling for other variables. Conclusions HPV-KS scores significantly predicted HPV-MS outcomes, highlighting the importance of knowledge in reducing misconceptions. Additionally, the HPV-MS effectively identifies widespread misconceptions about HPV, which is crucial for designing targeted educational measures. The wider use of this tool could help refine strategies to address HPV-related misconceptions across diverse populations. Key messages • HPV-KS scores were significant predictors of HPV-MS outcomes, even when controlling for other variables, highlighting the importance of knowledge in reducing misconceptions about HPV. • The HPV-MS effectively identifies widespread misconceptions about HPV, which is important for designing targeted educational measures.