Public awareness of human papillomavirus.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study was to review the evidence relating to the level of awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the general population and the implications for the potential introduction of HPV vaccination and HPV testing as part of screening.


METHODS
PubMed search performed on terms: 'HPV education', 'HPV awareness' 'Genital Warts Awareness' Results: Public awareness of HPV is generally very low, particularly with respect to its relation to abnormal smears and cervical cancer although knowledge levels vary to some extent according to sociodemographic characteristics. There is also much confusion around which types cause warts and the types that can cause cancer. The sexually transmissible nature of the infection is of major concern and confusion to women.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the lack of current awareness of HPV, significant education initiatives will be necessary should HPV vaccination and/or HPV testing be introduced. Organized edification of health-care workers and the media, who constitute the two most preferred sources of information, will be crucial.
Cuschieri
K S
KS
Specialist Virology Centre, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. Kate.Cuschieri@luht.scot.nhs.uk
Horne
A W
AW
Szarewski
A
A
Cubie
H A
HA
D000367:Age Factors; D003146:Communications Media; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000821:virology; D014765:Viral Vaccines
D014765:Viral Vaccines