title: Human papillomavirus and cervical screening: misconceptions undermine adherence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prophylactic vaccination programs in conjunction with cervical screening can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide. This study tested the hypothesis that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can adversely affect adherence to cervical screening if the public develops the misconception that the HPV vaccination has removed the need for screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  A postal survey using a stratified random sample was employed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overall, 500 medical students and 500 nonmedical students of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were invited to participate. The response rate was 82%.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was developed assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to cervical screening, and awareness and attitudes toward HPV.
  
  
  METHODS
  Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of HPV awareness and attitudes towards HPV vaccination on adherence to Papanicolaou screening, controlling for place of origin and mother's screening behavior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students who believed that vaccination against HPV obviated the need for a Papanicolaou test were two times less likely to adhere to cervical screening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-2.57; p  =  .0004). The effect was stronger in the nonmedical subgroup (adjusted odds ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-5.160; p  =  .0003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings highlight that misconceptions can adversely affect preventive behaviors and reduce the probability of an early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences and Preventive Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece. efharis@the.forthnet.gr
authors: Efharis
authors: E
authors: Panagopoulou
authors: Ourania
authors: O
authors: Giata
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Montgomery
authors: Kostantinos
authors: K
authors: Dinas
authors: Alexis
authors: A
authors: Benos
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D013337:Students, Medical; D014495:Universities; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D055815:Young Adult