Attitude and practice on Human Papillomavirus, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and associated factors among population in the Republic of Kosova

Abstract

Аpproximately 50–80% of sexually active women are exposed to at least one HPV variant during their lifetime. Based on the 2015 annual report of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosova, 68 new cases of cervical cancer were detected. The aim of the study was to investigate the attitude and practice regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and the Human Papillomavirus vaccine in the population of the Republic of Kosova. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge concerning HPV infections among the population aged 18 to 35+ years. The study was conducted during the period of time June 2021 –to August 2021. The sample included 500 participants. The questionnaire was anonymous, and participants were free to end their participation any time, without completing the questionnaire. Results: Regarding the claim "The HPV vaccine is safe", more than half of the respondents, respectively58.6% declare that they do not know, 33.4% of the respondents agree, 6.0% gave an incorrect answer / disagree, and 2.0% did not answer. The percentage difference between the unknown and correct answers is statistically significant for p<0.05. Conclusion: This study found out that the attitude towards the HPV vaccine among people of the Republic of Kosova is low to moderate. HPV vaccines should be included in the national immunization programs, since there is not still established national vaccination program for HPV vaccination.