Polish Mothers and Cervical Cancer Prophylaxis: What Do They Know and What Attitude Do They Have Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer primary and secondary prophylaxis among our patients' mothers, and their attitude toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Methods: During patients' appointments at Children's Memorial Health Institute Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic in Warsaw we asked 234 mothers (aged <20-60) to complete a self-prepared survey. The data were analyzed using t-student test and chi-square test.

Results: Only 61.5% of respondents correctly indicated the purpose of cervical cytology. Similarly, 67.9% claimed that it should be performed annually, and 79.4% that till the end of life. Although 87.6% of answerers have heard about HPV vaccination, still 69.3% of them were willing to get more information. Physicians were considered the most reliable source of knowledge about HPV vaccination and had a relevant impact on mothers' decision to vaccinate (P < .05). Nearly all respondents (92.7%) weren't vaccinated against HPV. Still, 57.3% declared willingness to vaccinate their children. The vaccine skeptics indicated that they had too little information (59%), feared side effects (45%), and doubted HPV vaccine effectiveness (23%). Mothers aged 40 and older and with higher education had greater knowledge about cervical cancer screening (P < .05) and were more willing to vaccinate their children (P < .05).

Conclusion: Since cervical cytology was invented 100 years ago, knowledge about this screening test is low. The HPV vaccine is well-recognized and well-accepted, but most respondents lack information. Consequently, it is crucial to initiate multidirectional educational actions to raise awareness about cervical cancer and its prophylaxis.