HPV vaccine awareness and vaccination status among women of reproductive age in Türkiye: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Although T & uuml;rkiye implemented a national cervical cancer screening program in 2014, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has yet to be included in the national immunization schedule. Consequently, HPV vaccination coverage remains remarkably low. This study aimed to evaluate HPV vaccine awareness, attitudes, and vaccination status among women aged 18-45 in Afyonkarahisar, T & uuml;rkiye. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic between September and December 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured 11-item questionnaire. A total of 655 women aged 18-45 were included in the analysis. Only 46 (7.0%) reported being vaccinated against HPV. While 313 participants (51.4%) were aware of the HPV vaccine, most had not received it. Women who had not undergone cervical screening were significantly more likely to be vaccinated (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 2.21-9.85; p < .001). Women who were vaccinated were significantly less likely to have reported an abnormal cervical screening result (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.07-0.26; p < .001). When both findings were analyzed together in a multivariable logistic regression model, women who were vaccinated were significantly less likely to have reported an abnormal cervical screening result (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07-0.43; p < .001). Despite the implementation of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy, HPV vaccination rates remain below targets. The HPV vaccine is often falsely perceived as an adjunct to treatment rather than a preventive measure. Integrating the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program would be a critical intervention.