Awareness of human papillomavirus infection complications, cervical cancer, and vaccine among the Saudi population: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: To determine human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer, and vaccine awareness among the Saudi population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of a convenience sample comprising 1033 participants (males and females) from different parts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was conducted between August 2018 and January 2019 using a web-based questionnaire. This self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to all participants. Collected data included age groups, cervical cancer, Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, and HPV vaccine awareness. RESULTS: The response rate was 95%. Approximately 50% of the participants were 15-22 years old, <3% were >46 years old, and <10% had heard of HPV. Awareness and previous knowledge of the Pap smear as a screening tool was variable with male (5.9%) and female (27.9%) participants, having knowledge of the test. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between males and females in their knowledge of HPV’s role in cervical and penile cancers, the HPV vaccine availability in the hospital, its role in cervical cancer prevention, and suggestions that this vaccine should be provided to married and non-married women. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge and misinformation regarding cervical cancer, Pap smears, HPV, and HPV association with cervical cancer. These data can be used as a basis to formulate effective population awareness programs.