Knowledge about HPV, relation between HPV and cervix cancer and acceptance of HPV vaccine in women in eastern region of Turkey

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge of the women living in the eastern region of Turkey about human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervix cancer and their approaches to HPV vaccine. METHODS: The questionnaire forms were distributed to 1,052 patients who applied to the Gynecology Department of Elazig Training and Research Hospital. The subjects were recruited from the general gynecology outpatient clinic of the hospital. The patients from sexually transmitted disease and oncology outpatient clinics were not included in the study. The information about 945 women who completely filled in the questionnaire form was included into the study. The questions set forth in the questionnaire form consisting of 20 questions were prepared by taking the studies previously performed as model. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of the women were married and 83.5% were housewives (unemployed). Thirteen percent of the women were illiterate, only 12% were graduated from university. Seventy-four percent of the women did not hear about HPV, 78.4% did not know about HPV vaccine, 63% did not know about the fact that some viruses cause cancer, and 83% did not know about the relation between HPV and cervix cancer. According to the multivariate analysis, free-of-charge vaccination, vaccinated relatives or friends, graduation from university and being under the age of 25 predict to accept the vaccine for themselves. CONCLUSION: The young population and the women who graduated from university seem to be more well-informed about HPV and more sensitive about being vaccinated. In addition, free vaccination will ensure the expansion of the vaccine.