Attitudes Regarding Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Among a Sample of Paramedical Staff in Al- Najaf Governorate, Iraq.

Abstract

Background: HPV is one of the most prevalent a sexually transmitted infection (STI), involving both men and women, and 80 percent of individuals aged 50 years and older have reported developing genital HPV infection. Objectives: To determine the level of attitudes and practices regarding Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer among a sample of para medical. Subject and Methods: This an observational descriptive cross-sectional study done at five hospitals and twenty-five primary health care centers in Al-Najaf governorate. The data collection continued for four months started from the period of 19th December 2021 ending on 18th April 2022. Results: The current study was conducted on (500) Para-medical staff with age group ranging from (20-59) years and the highest percentage (66.4%) were from (20-29) years age group. While in gender the highest percentage in female was (64.6%). Most of para-medical staff (90.8%) living in urban area. and also The greater number of participants were medical institute about (51.6%) from total number while the lowest percentage about (2.4%) from secondary school, only (2.4%) of para-medical staff had training about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer. The majority of studied sample had good practice score regarding human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. Conclusion: Most of studied samples (para-medical staff) had acceptable and good attitudes and practices scores. Recommendation: It is recommended to do National education programs on human papillomavirus and cervical cancer are needed to be presented to the public through cooperation between health authorities, society organizations and non-governmental organization.