Effects of Human Papillomavirus Awareness and Knowledge on Psychological State of Women Referred to Cervical Cancer Screening

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge on physiological state and quality of life of women referred to colposcopy and/or HPV testing. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at University Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia. The women with abnormal Pap test results obtained at the primary care centers requiring colposcopy and/or HPV testing were included. Before gynecological examination, participants filled the questionnaire on demographic characteristics, gynecological history, questionnaire for the evaluation of HPV awareness and HPV knowledge level, a set of self-report questionnaires assessing the anxiety level, quality of life, and concern about the smear and colposcopy results and perceived risk of developing cervical cancer. Results Of 324 women, 196 (60.5%) were aware of HPV. They reported higher concern about test results (p
Source: Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Research Articles: Cervix and HPV Source Type: research