Understanding HPV and barriers to vaccination

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Vaccine
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X
Volume 28, Issue 49 pp. 7713-7824 (16 November 2010)

Peruvian FSWs: Understanding HPV and barriers to vaccination

Original Research Article
Pages 7743-7747
Brandon Brown, Cesar Carcamo, Magaly M. Blas, Maria Valderrama, Neal Halsey

Abstract
Vaccine acceptability and vaccine-related knowledge data were collected from female sex workers (FSWs) in Lima, Peru to determine their awareness of HPV and barriers to the potential acceptability of HPV vaccine. FSWs were found to have low knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer. Due to high reported sexual exposure, FSWs are likely at increased risk of cervical cancer, and should have access to HPV vaccine. FSWs should be targeted for HPV education campaigns and barriers to vaccination should be addressed. Future studies should assess HPV prevalence in this population and examine retention issues for vaccine dose completion.