Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) form a large family of DNA viruses that infect only human skin
keratinocytes and mucosal epithelial cells, subsequently cells react by proliferation that can result
in different clinical manifestations ranging from common warts to malignant changes. Currently
available vaccine has enormous potential value in protecting against the HPV infection. We aimed
to evaluate Latvian general population’s knowledge about the human papillomavirus and
vaccination. A survey–based cross–sectional study was performed February to October 2021.
Participants completed an anonymous survey, which included 19 questions, assessing age, gender,
education, and knowledge about HPV and vaccination. Obtained results were statistically analyzed
using IBM SPSS 28. Our survey was completed by 277 participants, 188 females and 89 males.
82.3% of participants had heard of HPV and there was a statistically significant difference between
genders – females had a higher tendency to know about the virus than men (p<0.001). 82% of
respondents were aware, that HPV infection can proceed without symptoms. 74.4% of participants
considered, that there is a treatment for this disease. The opinion on whether the partner should be
vaccinated had statically significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants
– the vaccinated respondents 44lcyone44a their partner vaccination, but for unvaccinated
participants it did not matter (p<0.001). Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals have different
opinions and education on HPV. To increase vaccination coverage and knowledge of HPV, it is
important to organize wider educational campaigns and introduce new ways to deliver information
keratinocytes and mucosal epithelial cells, subsequently cells react by proliferation that can result
in different clinical manifestations ranging from common warts to malignant changes. Currently
available vaccine has enormous potential value in protecting against the HPV infection. We aimed
to evaluate Latvian general population’s knowledge about the human papillomavirus and
vaccination. A survey–based cross–sectional study was performed February to October 2021.
Participants completed an anonymous survey, which included 19 questions, assessing age, gender,
education, and knowledge about HPV and vaccination. Obtained results were statistically analyzed
using IBM SPSS 28. Our survey was completed by 277 participants, 188 females and 89 males.
82.3% of participants had heard of HPV and there was a statistically significant difference between
genders – females had a higher tendency to know about the virus than men (p<0.001). 82% of
respondents were aware, that HPV infection can proceed without symptoms. 74.4% of participants
considered, that there is a treatment for this disease. The opinion on whether the partner should be
vaccinated had statically significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants
– the vaccinated respondents 44lcyone44a their partner vaccination, but for unvaccinated
participants it did not matter (p<0.001). Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals have different
opinions and education on HPV. To increase vaccination coverage and knowledge of HPV, it is
important to organize wider educational campaigns and introduce new ways to deliver information
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 44 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2023 |
| Event | 2nd Conference of the World Sociey for Virology (WSV): One Health - One World-One Virology - Riga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema St. 16, Riga, Latvia Duration: 15 Jun 2023 → 17 Jun 2023 Conference number: 2 https://www.wsv2023.com/event-details/wsv2023-conference-1 https://www.wsv2023.com/ https://www.wsv2023.com/full-program |
Conference
| Conference | 2nd Conference of the World Sociey for Virology (WSV) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | WSV2023 |
| Country/Territory | Latvia |
| City | Riga |
| Period | 15/06/23 → 17/06/23 |
| Internet address |
Keywords*
- human papillomavirus
- vaccination
- survey
- general knowledge
Field of Science*
- 3.2 Clinical medicine
Publication Type*
- 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)
