Knowledge, attitudes, practice on human papilloma virus and cervical cancer among Trinidadian women

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major reproductive health problem among women especially in developing countries where about 190,000 women die from this disease annually. Despite efforts to reduce the burden of this disease, most attempts in low-resourced countries have not been successful partly from lack of awareness by women of this common cancer, as well as the role the human papilloma virus (HPV) plays in its aetiology and pathogenesis. To determine knowledge, attitudes and practice of women in Trinidad (a developing country) on HPV, cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 426 women in the reproductive age. A majority (58.4%) of participants had attained secondary level education. Whereas 326 (76.5%) women knew of cervical cancer, only 108 (25.4%) were aware of HPV and 68 (15.9%) knew of the association between HPV and cervical cancer. This study highlights the limited awareness of Trinidadian women with respect to HPV and its implication in cervical cancer aetiology. If the scourge of cervical cancer is to be adequately addressed, especially in low-resourced countries, then mass educational programmes on HPV, cervical cancer prevention, including screening and early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix, must be given high priority.

Keywords::

• Epidemiology
• general gynaecology
• gynaecological oncology
• sexual health

Acknowledgements

Co-authors include Luke Basdeo, Nahmorah Bobb, Ramnarine Boodoo, Loren DeFreitas, Andre Esdelle-Thomas, Priya Gopie, Meer Janjua, Maria Lutchmedial, Nafees Mohammed, Zerah Mohammed, Nishkal Persad, Riaz Rahman, Sabrina Ramkissoon, Tavia Ramkissoon, Ravi Ramlal, Ryan Richardson, Kerensa Rocke, Christine Searwar, Sànjeev Solomon and Keeshia Sookdeo. The authors would like to thank Professor Samuel Ramsewak, Dr Gordon Narayansingh and all Health Center Staff for their invaluable direction, assistance and guidance while undertaking this project.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.