Evaluation of the Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescents Regarding the HPV Infection, HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer in a Region from the Northwest of Romania

Abstract

Purpose In Romania, after reaching the age of 18, teenage girls can make an informed decision about vaccination. The aim of the study was to evaluate both knowledge and attitudes related to HPV infection, HPV vaccination, cervical cancer, as well as intentions, reservations, reasons that could influence the decision related to vaccination. Patients and Methods We applied an anonymized questionnaire to 690 teenage girls in the 18–19 age group, recruited from 15 high schools in Bihor County. Based on the answers to the question corresponding to item 14 of subscale 3, 2 groups were identified: the group with a hesitant behavior called the non-vaccine group (GNV) and the group with a positive behavior called the pro-vaccine group (GPV). The statistical analysis was processed by using IBM-SPSS 22. Results The analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of the level of knowledge and attitudes related to vaccination, the adolescent girls in the GPV being more aware of the role and importance of HPV vaccination and more open to the idea of vaccination. For the GNV, the behavior can be explained by the fact that even if they have heard about the HPV infection being transmitted through unprotected sex and they think that vaccination in general is necessary to prevent certain diseases, they do not know if HPV vaccination would be effective in protecting them in the future. Adolescents from GPV declare they would accept HPV vaccination if it would be offered to them or they are already vaccinated. Conclusion Alongside interventions targeting parents and health-care professionals, it is necessary to improve the level of knowledge of adolescents about HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer, by organizing information campaigns in schools, campaigns in which professionals in the field should be involved, but also by implementing education programs addressed to them.

Determinants of the Implementation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Zambia: Application of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…Parents of adolescent girls should consent to the vaccination of their children, who are usually below the age of legal consent [ 12 ], even when most countries are implementing an opt-out approach [ 38 ]. On the other hand, adolescents themselves should be knowledgeable about the vaccine and have good attitudes towards it [ 39 , 40 ], hence it is necessary to improve their knowledge [ 41 ].…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, Intentions and Vaccine Hesitancy among Postpartum Mothers in a Region from the Northwest of Romania

“…In Romania, there is a need for multidirectional strategies, in the sense of information campaigns regarding vaccines and vaccination, in which we must engage doctors directly involved in the vaccination process (neonatologists, pediatricians, family doctors), as well as local public health authorities (through specialists in epidemiology, public health, communication), local authorities (through social workers, community nurses and health mediators (especially where we are dealing with disadvantaged populations with very low vaccination rates and there is a need to mobilize them)) and representatives of other bodies and institutions that support and promote vaccination, but also community leaders, public figures, parents who want to get involved in transmitting positive messages about vaccines and vaccination, teachers, doctors and school assistants when we speak about HPV vaccination [ 48 ].…”

Assessing the Level of Knowledge and Experience Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening among Roma Women in Romania

“…The inadequate participation in screening programs and parental resistance to vaccination serve as indicators of limited awareness regarding HPV infection and its long-term consequences. This situation elevates the significance of addressing HPV infection as a matter of national concern, exerting a profound impact on women's morbidity and mortality [3,18,23], transcending ethnic boundaries. Of our respondents, 67.9% had not received any vaccine dose to prevent HPV infection and only 37.1% had ever had a cervico-vaginal cytological examination.…”

“…Starting from the hypothesis that far less research has been conducted on Roma women in Romania compared to non-Roma women [3,[16][17][18][19][20], the purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and consistency of information regarding the risk of CCC within the Roma population. Furthermore, it aimed to emphasize the need of comprehending the underlying causes of the disease and raising awareness regarding the available prevention methods.…”