The HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that is the cause of over 600,000 worldwide cases of cancer and over 20,000 anal, cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in the United States. However, these medical issues can be prevented by the one of three HPV vaccines licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. (Palmer, et al 2015) Studies also show that practicing safe sex and limiting sexual partners reduces the risk factors for contracting HPV. (Chan, et al 2012) While the HPV vaccines have been proven to significantly decrease the likelihood of HPV and its consequences, women around the world have issues accepting the vaccines and administering them to themselves or children. The objective
The results of 24 studies included questionnaires, interview, assessments of health records, and focus group discussions. Majority of the studies showed positive attitudes towards the HPV vaccination. Some studies showed that women had little knowledge about HPV, cervical cancers, and how to prevent both. Women also showed having minimal knowledge of HPV being a sexually transmitted disease. (Chan, et al
A total of 27 studies across 13 African countries were used in this systematic literature review. Awareness of HPV and the vaccine were researched demonstrating steady results showing high awareness in 11 studies, low awareness in 9 studies, and moderate awareness in 2 studies. Of 16 studies regarding knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, all reported low knowledge with 3 studies reporting no knowledge. Only one study showed a moderately high level of knowledge. (Perlman, et al