Cervical cancer prevention among young adult Italian women

Posted on by

Vaccine
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X
Volume 30, Issue 12 pp. 2037-2236 (9 March 2012)

Regular Papers
Knowledge, attitude and practice in primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention among young adult Italian women
Original Research Article
Pages 2075-2082
Serena Donati, Cristina Giambi, Silvia Declich, Stefania Salmaso, Antonietta Filia, Marta Luisa Ciofi degli Atti, Maria Pia Alibrandi, Silvia Brezzi, Francesca Carozzi, Natalina Collina, Daniela Franchi, Amedeo Lattanzi, Margherita Meda, Maria Carmela Minna, Roberto Nannini, Giuseppina Gallicchio, Antonino Bella, The PreGio Working group

Abstract
In Italy since 2007 vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is offered to 11-year-old females, whereas vaccination for older age groups is still a matter of debate. To assess Italian young women’s knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention a cross-sectional study among young women aged 18–26 years was conducted in 2008. The survey collected information on in-depth awareness and knowledge regarding Pap testing, HPV infection, HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. The response rate was 57.7% with a wide range of variability (34–84%) amongst local health units. Among 667 women who participated in the survey poor awareness and various misconceptions regarding HPV and cervical cancer prevention were detected. Overall women were found to be more knowledgeable about Pap smears and cervical cancer than about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. Respondents pointed to their healthcare providers as their most trusted source for medical information. Understanding women’s knowledge on cervical cancer prevention, as well as related factors is important in helping to achieve and maintain adherence to cervical cancer preventive strategies. Moreover in order to minimize cervical cancer risk by improving women’s adherence to preventive strategies, appropriate and adequate information dissemination, and guidance from health professionals appear to be crucial elements.