Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Awareness Among Married Bhutanese Refugee and Nepali Women in Eastern Nepal

This study examined the sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical cancer, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccine-related awareness  and knowledge among married Bhutanese refugee and Nepali women living in eastern Nepal. Participants were recruited from a women’s health camp in Jhapa District in eastern Nepal. A demographic and health survey with questions on STIs, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine was administered to consenti ng participants. Women who were born in Bhutan or living in the United Nations administered refugee camps were classified as Bhutanese. Of the 630 participants, 14.3% of participants were Bhutanese and the mean age was 38.8 ± 8.2 years. A higher proportion of Bhutanese than Nepali women report ed a lack of cervical cancer awareness (42.0% vs. 30.7%; p = 0.036). Only 21.5% of the participants knew HPV as the cause of cervical cancer; 13.9% were aware of an HPV vaccine; and 96% reported that they would have their children vaccinated against HPV if the vaccine was available free of cost to them. In multivariable analyses, the lack of awareness about STIs was directly associated with the lack of cervical cancer awareness [odds ratio (OR) 4.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.99–6.77] and inversely associated with HPV-vaccine awareness [OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29–0.97]. Low cervical cancer and HPV vaccine awareness and knowledge among Nepali and Bhutanese women in eastern Nepal highlight the need for increasing awareness and knowledge...
Source: Journal of Community Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research