Perceptions and practices on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and HPV vaccine among women attending gynaecology clinic and antenatal clinic at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital

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Introduction and objectives To investigate the perceptions and practices regarding Human Papilloma Virus infection (HPV) and HPV vaccine among women. Method A cross-sectional survey of 400 women was conducted at the gynecology clinic and antenatal clinic of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital between September 2015 and December 2015. A pre tested self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Perceptions and practices were assessed using 12 statements and 13 questions respectively. A score of >75% was considered as good while 74%-50% considered as moderate and <50% as poor. Results Only 19% believed that HPV vaccination is the best method to prevent HPV infection. While 51.3% agreed to get the vaccine if it is freely available, even fewer (34.5%) desired to get ' their children vaccinated and only 31.5% believed that HPV vaccine would help to protect them from cervical cancer. Most of .the participants (80.3%) believed that availability of information on HPV vaccine is1 inadequate. Only 47.8% believed a PAP smear test should be done, 68.8% did not believe( they were at risk. In this study only 12.5% had ever done a Pap test. Of them, 88.3% did the test for medical reasons, while only 4.3% did voluntarily.' Importantly none of the participants in the study group had been vaccinated and majority (69.3%) were unaware of the existence of the vaccine. Conclusions Patients had poor attitudes regarding HPV vaccination, and no one was vaccinated for HPV. Substantial effort should be made tb educate the society of the availability of HPV vaccine, and encourage screening for cervical cancers.