Assessment of Knowledge of Patients Regarding Human Papillomavirus in A Tertiary Hospital

Objective: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. HPV vaccination is used for immunization against this virus. This study aims to determine the knowledge level of patients admitted to our outpatient clinic regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine. Materials and Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study comprised 1,225 women admitted to our gynecology outpatient clinics between January 1, 2013, and June 31, 2013. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, level of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, awareness of Pap smear testing, and self-reported previous Pap smear tests through a questionnaire. Results: The mean age of participants was 37.79±13.19 (range 15–73). Of these participants, 31.8% had previously undergone a Pap smear, 62.4% had heard of cervical cancer, and 60.5% were aware of Pap smear testing. Television programs emerged as the leading source (24.7%) for HPV information. Notably, 65.7% of participants did not know that HPV can be sexually transmitted. Meanwhile, 60.5% had not heard of the HPV vaccine, and 70.5% were unaware that HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical cancer. Among participants who had received the vaccine, 63.3% stated they would encourage their daughters to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that women’s knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination remains insufficient. Efforts focusing on improving awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among the female population, particularly via healthcare providers, are critically important to achieving healthier future generations.