Knowledge of Romanian young women regarding HPV and cervical cancer

Abstract

Abstract Romania has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer in Europe. Cervical cancer is ranked the fourth deadliest cancer and the first among women aged between 15-44 years. In Romania, this type of cancer has 4443 new cases annually and is responsible for 1909 deaths. Lack of sexual education was linked to the increased prevalence rates of cervical cancer. Romania has a two-fold incidence rate than Finland, Luxembourg and France, countries which have sexual education courses. HPV is the most prevalent risk factor for cervical cancer and this disease is the third most common cancer among women and the second most common among women aged between 15-44 years. The design of the present study is quantitative as the data was gathered through an online questionnaire. The target group was selected through some pre-established parameters based on the previous searches on Facebook and Google like age, sex, HPV, vaccine, immunization, cervix, cervical cancer. The sample was represented by all the women that reach the parameters aged between 18- 24 years. The results show the knowledge on HPV, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer to be good as for all the questions more than half of the sample had an adequate understanding. In contrast, the overall tendency of the sample was for most of them to be aware of the existence of the mentioned diseases, of the testing process and vaccine existence, but then to lose their expertise when having to give details on the concepts reminded. This trend was noticed in all section as the first questions assessed their awareness of the HPV, cervical cancer, Pap- smear and vaccination, while the following needed a more comprehensive knowledge (i.e. 94.5% of the sample heard of Pap-smear while only 58.7% what it is). The results have highlighted the gap in the knowledge of Romanian women and the need of campaigns and policies targeting this area. This study can form a basis for the development of such programs as it emphasizes the under-developed areas. Key messages Presenting a snapshot of the knowledge of young adult women on HPV and cervical cancer. Putting the groundwork for future studies and policies.