Cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccine: Knowledge and attitudes of female adolescents seeking consult at Philippine Children's Medical Center

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of female adolescents aged 14-19 years old seeking consult at Philippine Children's Medical Center regarding cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccine.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>DESIGN: </strong>Cross-sectional survey of mid to late adolescents.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY: </strong>The survey questionnaire consists of 18 items in the domain of knowledge, attitudes, practice behaviors, barriers and demographic information. Survey forms in a sealed envelope were given to adolescents 14 to 19 years old after obtaining their assent and parents/guardians' consent.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>RESULTS: </strong>There were a total of 107 respondents; majority belonged to the mid adolescents (14-16 years old), high school level and non sexually active 57%, 64% and 62% respectively. Most of the respondents (60%) were in a relationship or had a boyfriend, 61% engaged in a monogamous sexual relationship with their partners, 10% had 2 partners and 15% had more than 3 partners. There were significantly more late adolescents who are sexually active compared to mid adolescents (67.4% and 14.8%). Awareness of cervical cancer screening is only 23% of the surveyed adolescents (mean age 16.36). Majority of the sexually active respondents knew that HPV infection is through vaginal intercourse, and that pap smear is necessary even if no history of cancer in the family. More respondents with high education knew that avoidance of sexual intercourse, using condom and vaccination are all effective methods of HPV infection prevention. 53% of the respondents heard about HPV vaccine. Sources of information were mostly from the mass media. Majority were willing to receive the vaccine especially if given for free.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Knowledge on HPV and Cervical cancer prevention especially through pap smear is poor. Health education and improvement of personal practices should be emphasized as necessary factors for preventing HPV infection acquisition.</p>