Insufficient Knowledge of Human Papilloma Virus among Reproductive-Aged Women from Arak, Iran

Abstract

Abstract Background Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This study aimed at evaluation of women’s knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine and identification of related factors conducted on 400 reproductive-aged women referred to health care centers in Arak, Iran. Methods A researcher-made questionnaire was applied to assess the participants’ knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccine among Iranian reproductive-aged women. Results Most participants were married (82%), diploma (34.6%), had two children (32.2%), and lived in an urban area (93%).The mean age among the studied population was 32.5 years. The associated HPV and vaccine knowledge were evaluated as insufficient in 86.5% and 79% of the participants, respectively. Out of 400, 37.5% and 34.5% of participants knew that the HPV vaccine protected against cervical cancer and genital warts, respectively. Our results revealed that the knowledge of the infection and its ways of protection were significantly higher in well-educated women. What is more, the awareness declined in those with more children in the family. Conclusions The level of understanding in terms of the incidence and also prevention was evaluated poor in our study. This highlights that further campaigns are required to improve it. Vaccination programs should be seriously considered to prevent HPV infection and its complications like cervical cancer.