Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Level and Vaccination Beliefs of Women Applying for Cervical Cancer Screening

Aim: This study aimed to assess Human Papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and vaccination status among women undergoing cervical cancer screening at Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centres. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between 15.10.2022 and 15.01.2023, used a questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, "HPV Knowledge Scale", and "Health Belief Model Scale for HPV and its Vaccination". Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the SPSS v20.0, on the variables that showed significance at p<0.05 in the univariate analyses. Results: Among 490 participants, whose median age was 48 and 53% held a bachelor's degree or higher, only 26.3% had received training on sexually transmitted infections. 5.9% of women, and among women with children aged 9-26, 6% of their children were vaccinated against HPV. The most correctly answered proposition from the HPV Knowledge Scale was "Having many sexual partners increases the risk of getting HPV" (60.6%); the most incorrectly answered proposition was "HPV usually doesn't need any treatment” (%43.5). Those under 40 years old, with a bachelor's degree or higher, those trained on sexually transmitted infections, and those who were recommended vaccination for themselves and their children by healthcare professionals revealed higher HPV knowledge. A positive correlation existed between the HPV Knowledge Scale and Health Belief Model Scale for HPV and its vaccination. Conclusion: Higher HPV knowledge among younger individuals (<40 years) suggests greater potential for benefit from vaccination and prevention strategies. Education at higher levels and comprehensive sexually transmitted infections training can enhance overall HPV understanding. Educational initiatives to raise information and awareness, comprehensive sexually transmitted infections training, and encouraging healthcare professionals to discuss HPV and vaccination would be effective in increasing HPV knowledge levels. Keywords: health belief model, health knowledge, attitudes, practice, human papillomavirus viruses, papillomavirus vaccines, women