Attached
Introduction and objectives
To investigate the perceptions and practices
regarding Human Papilloma Virus infection
(HPV) and HPV vaccine among women.
Method
A cross-sectional survey of 400 women was
conducted at the gynecology clinic and
antenatal clinic of the Colombo South
Teaching Hospital between September 2015
and December 2015. A pre tested self
administered questionnaire was used to
collect data. Perceptions and practices were
assessed using 12 statements and 13
questions respectively. A score of >75% was
considered as good while 74%-50%
considered as moderate and <50% as poor.
Results
Only 19% believed that HPV vaccination is the
best method to prevent HPV infection. While
51.3% agreed to get the vaccine if it is freely
available, even fewer (34.5%) desired to get '
their children vaccinated and only 31.5%
believed that HPV vaccine would help to
protect them from cervical cancer. Most of
.the participants (80.3%) believed that
availability of information on HPV vaccine is1
inadequate. Only 47.8% believed a PAP smear
test should be done, 68.8% did not believe(
they were at risk.
In this study only 12.5% had ever done a Pap
test. Of them, 88.3% did the test for medical
reasons, while only 4.3% did voluntarily.'
Importantly none of the participants in the
study group had been vaccinated and majority
(69.3%) were unaware of the existence of the
vaccine.
Conclusions
Patients had poor attitudes regarding HPV
vaccination, and no one was vaccinated for
HPV. Substantial effort should be made tb
educate the society of the availability of HPV
vaccine, and encourage screening for cervical
cancers.
