Primary prevention of HPV-related diseases from the patients’ perspective in Poland

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitudes toward HPV vaccination (HPVv) among female patients in Poland, investigating the impact of sociodemographic factors on these aspects. The study also explored awareness of state-funded bivalent vaccination and gauged willingness to vaccinate children, especially in the aspect of the newly introduced nonavalent vaccine. Material and methods An 11-question questionnaire was administered to newly referred patients at a dysplasia consultation center in Kraków University Hospital between February and December 2022. Statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, attitudes toward HPVv and correlations among responses. Results By December 2022, 187 completed forms were received, primarily from women aged 30-40 years, residing in large cities, and with higher education qualifications. While most were aware of HPV’s association with cancer and abnormal cytology, over 40% were unaware of its asymptomatic nature. Higher education is correlated with better HPV awareness. Participants generally showed positive attitudes toward HPVv for themselves and their children, yet only a small fraction had received the vaccine. Education significantly influenced HPV knowledge, with higher education levels linked to better awareness and willingness to vaccinate children. Awareness of HPV is positively correlated with knowledge test performance and vaccination attitudes. Conclusion The study revealed a lack of awareness regarding government co-financing for the bivalent vaccine. Campaigns endorsing reimbursed vaccination were found to be inadequate, highlighting the need for corrective measures to enhance awareness and improve vaccination rates, particularly for individuals outside the age range between 12 and 13 years relying on self-financing or sporadic government initiatives.