Alaa Ahmad Sulaiman , Fatima Suwailem Alsuwailem , Yasser Dakheel Abddulaziz Alturki , Bushra Waleed Melibari

Abstract

There are misconceptions, stigmas, and poor awareness associated with cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine that affect vaccination uptake rates. This study aimed to examine the gender differences, socioeconomic status, stigmas, and misconceptions associated with the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 18 years and above who attended King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hospital employees and healthcare workers were excluded from the study. The study was conducted between (insert time frame). The results showed that the majority of the participants had heard of a PAP test (61.3%) and an HPV vaccine (37%). However, only a small minority had been diagnosed with HPV (1%), and a large percentage reported never having received the HPV vaccine (97.8%). In addition, 58.8% of participants had misconceptions regarding cervical cancer screening, and 31% of participants agreed that the HPV vaccine is only for married women, which is not true. Interestingly, 41% of participants were willing to pay to get vaccinated, and 30% agreed to pay for it. The association between education and knowledge of PAP tests and the HPV vaccine was statistically significant (p=0.000). This study highlights the need for public health interventions to improve knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in Saudi Arabia. The study findings can help health authorities and policymakers design targeted interventions to address stigmas and misconceptions associated with cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine.