Knowledge, Attitude &Practice on Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Among Healthcare Providers and General Population

• Cervical cancer mortality rates in Egypt are also relatively high, with an age-standardized mortality rate of around 3.2 per 100,000 women.

Risk Factors and Epidemiology:

• The primary risk factor for cervical cancer in Egypt is persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV 16 and 18.
• Other risk factors include early age of first sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, high parity, smoking, and lack of regular cervical cancer screening.
• Socioeconomic factors, such as low education levels and limited access to healthcare services, also contribute to the cervical cancer burden in Egypt.
• Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in rural and disadvantaged areas, where screening and preventive services are less accessible.

Screening and Prevention Efforts:

• Cervical cancer screening through Pap smears or HPV testing is the primary method for early detection and prevention of the disease.
• However, cervical cancer screening coverage in Egypt remains low, with only around 10-20% of eligible women being regularly screened.
• The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has implemented various initiatives to improve cervical cancer screening and awareness, but more efforts are needed to reach underserved populations.
• The introduction and widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine could significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Egypt, but vaccine coverage remains suboptimal.
• Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, as it is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with a high mortality rate, especially in developing countries.
• Early detection through regular cervical cancer screening (e.g., Pap smears) and treatment of precancerous lesions can effectively prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Role of the HPV Vaccine:

• The HPV vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, such as anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.
• The vaccine targets the HPV strains (primarily HPV 16 and 18) that are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases globally.
• The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys, typically starting at 11-12 years of age, as it is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity and potential HPV exposure.
• Widespread HPV vaccination, coupled with regular cervical cancer screening, has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer worldwide.

Importance of a KAP Questionnaire in Egypt:

• In Egypt, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and HPV infection is a major risk factor.
• However, HPV vaccination rates in Egypt remain relatively low, indicating a need to better understand the factors that influence vaccination uptake in the country.
• A KAP questionnaire can provide valuable insights into:
• The level of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine among the Egyptian population.
• Attitudes, beliefs, and misconceptions that may be hindering or promoting HPV vaccination.
• Current vaccination practices and barriers to accessing the vaccine.
• This information can then be used to develop targeted educational campaigns, address misconceptions, and implement strategies to improve HPV vaccination coverage in Egypt.
• By understanding the KAP of HPV vaccination, policymakers and healthcare providers can work to increase cervical cancer prevention efforts and improve the overall public health outcomes in the country.

Inclusion criteria

• 1. general population:
• Eligibility criteria:
• Age: 9-79 years old
• patients and their relatives
• Attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Family Medicine clinics at Assiut University Hospital
• Recruitment strategy:
• Using a systematic random sampling method, every nth patient (based on the average patient load) will be approached and invited to participate in the study.
• The target sample size for patients is a minimum of 384 participants.

• Healthcare providers:
• Eligibility criteria:
• Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers employed in the Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Family Medicine departments at Assiut University Hospital.

Exclusion criteria

• -Previous HPV Vaccination:
• Exclude participants who have already received the complete HPV vaccination series, as their knowledge, attitudes, and practices may differ from those who are unvaccinated.
• The study aims to understand the KAP of the unvaccinated population, which is the primary target group for intervention.

2-Severe Cognitive or Mental Impairment:

• Exclude participants who have severe cognitive or mental impairments that may prevent them from understanding and responding to the questionnaire accurately.
• This could include individuals with advanced dementia, severe intellectual disabilities, or acute psychiatric conditions.

3-. Inability to Provide Informed Consent:

• Exclude participants who are unable to provide informed consent due to language barriers, literacy issues, or other factors that may compromise their ability to understand the study and its implications 4- Severe Illness or Hospitalization:
• Exclude participants who are currently hospitalized or experiencing severe illness, as their focus may be on their immediate health concerns rather than the KAP questionnaire.