Attitudes and beliefs on HPV infection and vaccination II

Attitudes and beliefs on HPV infection and vaccination II Veronika Regnerová, PharmDr. Eva Zimčíková, Ph.D. Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Three vaccines have been approved to prevent HPV infection and related diseases. Objectives: The study aimed to analyse the knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in secondary school students in the Czech Republic. Methods: The study was carried out in May 2017 at four secondary schools. A questionnaire used for data collection comprised 15 items including questions on demographic characteristics, knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, vaccination coverage, HPV perceived susceptibility and seriousness, and beliefs on HVP vaccination. Results: A total of 667 students participated (mean age: 16.8 y ± 1.18; 63% female); 20.5% were smokers, 24.7% God believers. Most of the students (97.0%) heard about cervical cancer and penile cancer, significant proportion (68.3%) knew HPV was the causative factor. Half of the respondents (49.9%) have heard about vaccination against HPV. Among cervical cancer risk factors HPV infection was reported in 58.1% cases followed by promiscuity (14.5%), irregular..