Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Infection, Genitoanal Warts and Cancer in a Dermatological Outpatient Clinic Setting

Authors

  • Laura Kuznetsov
  • Christina M. Reitmaier-Weber
  • Thomas Ruzicka
  • Alexander V. Kuznetsov

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1431

Keywords:

human papillomavirus, genitoanal region, cancer, warts, dermatology outpatients, knowledge.

Abstract

There has been little research into awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) among dermatological out-patients, despite the fact that management of HPV infection causing genitoanal warts/cancer is part of the routine practice of dermato-venereologists. The aim of this study was to explore awareness of HPV among dermatological outpatients. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 360 consecutive attendees of a Munich dermatological outpatient clinic in November 2009. Of the total number of questionnaires, 77.2% were returned, and 69.7% (n=251, 51.8% females) were included in the analysis. 39.4% of the respondents had heard of HPV infection, and 23.9% of vaccination. Of those who had heard of HPV, 81.8% knew that HPV risk is associated with non-use condoms, number of sexual partners (77.8%), smoking (8.1%), and that HPV causes genital warts (65.7%), anal warts (39.4%) and cervical cancer (57.6%). HPV ignorance (never having heard of HPV) was predicted by being male (adjusted odds ratio=2.23, 95% confidence interval=1.32–3.80) and being a parent (adjusted odds ratio=2.11, 95% confidence interval=1.24–3.59). We conclude that dermatological outpatients have insufficient knowledge of HPV, its sequelae and prevention.

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Published

2012-08-22

How to Cite

Kuznetsov, L., Reitmaier-Weber, C. M., Ruzicka, T., & Kuznetsov, A. V. (2012). Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Infection, Genitoanal Warts and Cancer in a Dermatological Outpatient Clinic Setting. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 93(2), 218–222. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1431

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Section

Articles