Methods:
This questionnaire-based study examined women’s knowledge of the human
papilloma virus in terms of its risk factors for contraction, and the
diseases caused by it. We also assessed their opinion on whether or not
girls should receive the vaccine and whether or not boys should.
Finally, we assessed where they gained their knowledge about HPV and the
vaccine from.
Study
setting
This study was conducted in the Gynaecological outpatient department of
Wexford General Hospital, Ireland. This study was granted full ethical
approval by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee at the HSE South
East, Patients were provided with written patient information leaflets
prior to completing the questionnaire. By completing the questionnaire,
we assumed consent to participate. Inclusion criteria women over 18
years of age Women unable to give consent or complete questionnaires
without interpreter were excluded.
Questionnaire
There were 21 questions within the questionnaire. It started by
assessing participant demographics including; age, relationship status,
employment status and native language. The questionnaire was then broken
down into three sections. The first section assessed participants
personal history and experience, including have they themselves received
the vaccine, have they participated in the cervical screening program,
are they sexually active and have they ever attended colposcopy.
The second section assessed the participants current knowledge of the
subject. We assessed if they had heard of HPV and if so, from where, as
well as the risk factors for contracting HPV and the diseases associated
with the virus. We also assessed if they have heard of the cervical
screening program and the HPV vaccine, and if so, where from. Options
for the source of their information included; family, friends, social
media, GP/health care professional and the news.
The final section assessed the participants own opinions. We assessed if
they thought if girls and if boys should get the HPV vaccine.