RT  - European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology
ID  - 10.12892/ejgo4738.2019
T1  - Knowledge and beliefs about HPV infection and the relevant vaccination in Greek young population
A1  - N. Tsagkas
A1  - V. Siafaka
A1  - A. Tzallas
A1  - C. Zerzi
A1  - M. Zografou
A1  - E. Bilirakis
A1  - M. Paraskevaidi
A1  - M. Kyrgiou
A1  - E. Paraskevaidis
K1  - HPV oncogenic subtypes; HPV vaccination; HPV-Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS);
Greek population; Carcinogenesis
YR  - 2019
SP  - 557
AB  - <p><i>Background:</i> Infection by HPV oncogenic subtypes is the causative agent of half a million cancer cases in developed countries every year. The objective of the present study was to assess: the knowledge and beliefs of young Greeks about HPV infection and potential factors that discourage them from HPV vaccination. <i>Materials and Methods: </i>The present group consisted of 825 individuals, 18-35-years-old, who voluntarily completed some questionnaires. <i>Results:</i> The attitude and consequent decision of women, considering HPV vaccination is associated with general vaccination attitude, mothers’ beliefs, parents' educational level, family income, knowledge about HPV, the doctor's attitude, and individual's health beliefs. <i>Conclusion:</i> In Greece, as well as in other countries where HPV vaccination is neither a mandatory nor a school-based program, increased education of physicians and parents would substantially enhance HPV vaccination acceptance. Intervention strategies should focus more on providing adequate and reliable information to eliminate any doubts on HPV vaccine’s safety and efficacy.</p>