The Evaluation of Awareness and Knowledge Levels About HPV Infection, Vaccine, and Its Association with Oropharyngeal Cancer Among the Individuals with Higher Education

Background HPV-related cancers are major public health problem. Although vaccination programs have been developed against HPV, people continue to die from HPV-related cancers. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge levels of HPV, HPV vaccine, and its association with cancer among individuals with higher education. Method Patients with higher education level admitted to outpatient clinic were included. The levels of awareness and knowledge about HPV were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 29 questions/statements. While the first section included socio-demographic characteristics, the second section comprised questions evaluating person’s awareness of HPV vaccine and their attitudes to vaccine. The statements in third section were focused on the participant’s level of knowledge of HPV and cancer screening programs in Turkey. Results 572 participants, 386 (67.5%) were females and 186 (32.5%) were males. The 81.8% of participants (n = 468) were in aged between 20–39, 15.7% (n = 90) were 40–59 and 2.4% (n = 14) were aged ≥ 60. 429 participants (75%) had bachelor's degree, 114 (20%) had master's degree, and 29 (5%) had doctoral degree. According to local results, the total rate of at least one dose vaccination was 12.7%. The most common barriers to vaccination were personal neglect (35.7%), price (29.4%), and lack of information (23.9%). The vaccination rate was significantly higher in women, in the 20–39 age group and in a single marital status (p < 0.05). The mean knowledge score regarding HPV and cancer screening programs was 8.23 ± 3.62 out of 14. The score was associated with age, gender, marital status, occupation, place of residence, and family education (p < 0.05). 54.9% of the participants did not report any relationship between oropharyngeal cancer and HPV. There was a statistically significant relationship between participant’s awareness regarding the role of HPV in oral carcinogenesis and age, occupation, place of residence (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study reveals compelling results regarding HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptability among highly educated individuals. Additional education programs on HPV to both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula would be an essential measure in preventing cancers.