AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe overall HPV knowledge score was 9.21±8.68 points.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide and a leading cause of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Despite growing public health programs, patient knowledge regarding HPV transmission, prevention, and clinical implications remains inconsistent. Anxiety and sexual concerns may occur in women with HPV positivity and/or cervical dysplasia, but their association with HPV knowledge remains unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 364 patients referred to a gynecological oncology outpatient clinic with HPV positivity and/or cervical dysplasia. Sociodemographic data, including age, marital status, education level, contraceptive use, and smoking status, were collected. HPV knowledge was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the HPV knowledge scale. Anxiety and sexual function were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF). Statistical analyses included Pearson and Spearman correlations, simple and multivariate linear regression, and logistic regression. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 37±8 years; 69% were married, and 41% were current smokers. The overall HPV knowledge score was 9.21±8.68 points. Knowledge was highest in the general-information domain (DIV1: mean 5.6, SD 4.99, median 5) and lowest in the national HPV vaccination programme domain (DIV4: mean 0.42, SD 0.73, median 0). The median BAI score was 13 (IQR: 6-25) and the median IFSF score was 24 (IQR: 13-31). No statistically significant association was found between HPV knowledge score and anxiety (Pearson r=0.045, p=0.405; Spearman ρ=0.042, p=0.441) or sexual function (Pearson r=0.046, p=0.42; Spearman ρ=0.029, p=0.61). In the secondary logistic regression analysis using IFSF ≤30, HPV knowledge was not associated with sexual dysfunction risk after adjustment (aOR 1.012, 95% CI 0.979-1.046, p=0.4699). In the adjusted models, education level and smoking status were associated with BAI scores, whereas education level and marital status were associated with IFSF ≤30. Conclusion: HPV knowledge showed no significant association with anxiety or sexual function in this clinical population. These findings suggest that psychological and sexual outcomes may not be explained by HPV-specific knowledge alone. Comprehensive, personalized counseling should include psychological and sexual concerns, not only HPV-related information.