Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and its Incidence Among Women Referring to Al-Zahra and Taleghani Hospitals in Tabriz-Iran, 2014-2015

Abstract

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexual transmitted disease throughout the world. It has been considered as the main cause of cervical cancer and second common cause of cervical cancer in 15-49 years old women. The aim of this study was to determine the Knowledge of HPV and its incidence among women referring to Al-Zahra and Taleghani hospitals in Tabriz-Iran, 2014-2015. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 221 women aged 15-49 years old that were suspicious to HPV based on gynecologic examination and colposcopy. Data was collected using questionnaires consisted of two parts: sociodemographic information and knowledge of these women concerning HPV. Results: The incidence rate of HPV among participants was 20.8%. The mean (standard deviation) of knowledge score was 12.04 (3.9) from total scores of 0-20. There was no significant differences between participants with HPV and without HPV infection in terms of knowledge about HPV. Conclusion: As women with HPV had low knowledge about this infection, therefore, health authorities should implement some interventions to enhance the knowledge of women about HPV infection in order to prevent its incidence and complications on women's health.