Aspects of awareness of the population of different countries on cervical cancer prevention

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, 604,000 new cases of morbidity and 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer (CC) were registered. The vast majority (over 95%) of cases of cervical cancer are caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the recommendations of the WHO, vaccination against HPV is the single most effective measure that reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer (CC) and other associated diseases. An important component of this approach is informing the population about the importance of vaccination against the papillomavirus as a method of primary prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of the study is to investigate the awareness of the population about vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer in the world practice. The research materials included scientific publications, recommendations, statistical data, epidemiological indicators, results of a questionnaire survey of the population on the issue of vaccination against HPV and prevention of CC, which was conducted in January- February 2023 in Ukraine. In the process of data analysis, the following methods were used: system analysis, document analysis, comparison, generalization, sociological (questionnaire survey), mathematical and statistical methods of data processing. In order to determine the current state of vaccination against HPV, an analysis of the National Immunization Schedules was conducted in countries around the world. It was found that as of 2021, the HPV vaccine was included in the National Immunization Schedule in less than 25% of low-income countries and less than 30% countries with belowaverage income, but in more than 85% of high-income countries. In countries where HPV vaccination is widely used, the incidence rates show a decrease in the frequency of developing CC. According to the analysis results, it has been determined that HPV vaccines are mandatory in Great Britain, the United States and Germany. The implementation of mandatory vaccination in these countries contributes to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. In Ukraine, the HPV vaccine is not included in the National Immunization Calendar, but it is recommended. To determine the level of public awareness of the issue of cervical cancer prevention, we developed a questionnaire and conducted a pilot survey of the population of Ukraine, in particular, the Kharkiv region. As a result of the survey, 352 valid questionnaires were selected, with answers to 100% of the questions. The results regarding the number of vaccinated individuals are noteworthy. Only 5,1% of surveyed are vaccinated, 77,3% are not vaccinated, and only 17,6% plan to get vaccinated. In our opinion, the survey results regarding factors influencing readiness to vaccinate against the human papillomavirus are of particular importance. It has been found that insufficient confidence in the vaccine's effectiveness and safety is the biggest barrier to vaccination (65.3%), which may indicate a low level of trust in the healthcare system. Also, one of the important factors affecting readiness to vaccinate is awareness of vaccination and assessment of risks, advantages and disadvantages (58,5%). It should be noted that 34,1% of respondents are sufficiently informed about the human papillomavirus, the importance of vaccination against HPV, while 65,9% require this information. In response to the question: "What information about HPV vaccination would you like to receive?" the most common answers among the population are vaccine effectiveness (66,5%), side effects (64,2%), indications (55,1%) and contraindications to vaccination (58,0%) Conclusions. According to the results of the conducted research, modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of СС has been considered in different countries of the world. Insufficient level of public awareness has been identified regarding vaccination against human papillomavirus and prevention of cervical cancer.