Work

Perception of Human Papilloma Virus infection and acceptance of its testing among women of reproductive age in a low-resource setting, Ghana

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Problem Considered Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant public health concern globally, particularly among young women. Globally, 662, 000 cervical cancer cases were reported. In Ghana, the prevalence of HPV infection among females was 2, 797. Yet there is limited understanding of the perception of HPV infection and acceptance of its testing among women of reproductive age especially those in New Takoradi as evidenced by poor uptake of the test. This study aimed to investigate the perception of HPV infection and its testing among women of reproductive age in New Takoradi, Western Region of Ghana. Methods Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, 323 women aged 18-49 years were surveyed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Results Majority of the respondents (70.6%) were aged 18-30 years, had completed senior high school (SHS) (43.3%) and single (61%). A third of participants (30%) perceived HPV to affect only promiscuous women, curable (53.6%) and causes infertility (81.7%). Whereas two-thirds (66.3%) of participants were willing to undergo HPV testing in the next 6 months, majority (80.5%) were willing to do so out of fear of contracting the disease. Conclusion The study's findings highlighted the importance of education and awareness campaigns to promote HPV testing among women of reproductive age in Ghana and similar contexts.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102254

Authors: Rejoice Fletcher, Evelyn Asamoah Ampofo, Caroline Dinam Badzi, Janet Aba Saah

Institution: University of Ghana

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000