Knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV screening and HPV vaccine among sexual health clinic patients in Martinique, French West Indies

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge about HPV in a population attending a sexual health clinic in the University Hospital of Martinique.

Methods: Cross sectional observational study based on a validated questionnaire among 500 young adults between June 2020 and March 2021. First question was "Have you ever heard of HPV?". If the answer was "Yes", the person was invited to answer the next 28 questions.

Results: Overall, 68% of participants had never heard of HPV, rising to 74.6% of women. Out of 28 questions, the median of correct answers by participants was 15 (IQR 8-19). We did not find any difference related to age. Women had more correct answers than men on most of the items related to screening and vaccine.

Conclusion: In Martinique, knowledge about HPV is poor. New communication methods are required to reach young boys and girls.

Keywords: Caribbean Islands; HPV knowledge; HPV screening; HPV vaccine.