Knowledge, attitudes and practices on human papilloma virus infection, screening and vaccination among reproductive-aged women

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer and the most preventable cancer among women. 93% of cervical cancers had infection with HPV. This study aims to evaluate the factors towards practices and perceived barriers of reproductive aged women on HPV infection, vaccination and screening by looking into demographic variables, knowledge and attitudes of respondents towards HPV infection, vaccination and screening. Methods: This research is a descriptive cross sectional study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. A self-administered questionnaire created by the researchers and validated by three specialists was used in assessing the knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers towards HPV infection, screening and prevention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data sets. Chi square test of association was used to analyze the association of age, knowledge, attitude to the history of screening and vaccination and general practices of respondents regarding HPV infection, screening and prevention. Results: Between August and November 2020, 81 women participated in the study. Results shows that respondents have poor knowledge (Mean: 8.74; Ref: ≥13) but with positive attitude (M: 3.13) towards HPV infection, screening and vaccination. Majority of respondents did not undergo any screening procedure (70.4%) nor received HPV vaccination (92.6%). Although, respondents had generally good practices that prevents HPV infection. Marital status and age were found to be associated with HPV infection prevention practices. However, knowledge on screening and vaccination was not associated with demographic variables. Conclusions: This study shows that knowledge on HPV infection, screening and vaccination was generally poor. Majority of respondents have not undergone screening tests or vaccination. Major reasons identified for this are feelings of anxiety, inability to communicate desire to get screened, cost of vaccine and lack of information. Hence, information dissemination and counselling regarding the disease, its screening and vaccination should be strengthened.