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.