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Influence of risk‐taking health behaviours of adolescents on cervical cancer prevention: a Hungarian survey
Author(s) -
Marek E.,
Berenyi K.,
Dergez T.,
Kiss I.,
D'Cruz G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12332
Subject(s) - medicine , cervical cancer , population , condom , vaccination , psychological intervention , hpv infection , reproductive health , family medicine , human papillomavirus , sexual intercourse , environmental health , limiting , cervical screening , gynecology , cancer , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , psychiatry , immunology , syphilis , mechanical engineering , engineering
An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among the Hungarian adolescents to establish their use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in relation to sexual behaviours, knowledge of human papillomavirus ( HPV ) and cervical cancer, and beliefs and attitudes towards screening and vaccination. Results indicated that adolescent risk‐taking health behaviours correlate with risky sexual behaviours. As risk‐taking behaviours do not correlate with a better awareness of the risk associated with HPV infection, it is of crucial importance that HPV /cervical cancer preventing educational programmes shall be sensitive to this ‘vulnerable’ population and draw the attention of these adolescents to their increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and undesired pregnancies. Well‐designed behavioural change interventions may be effective when in addition to providing adolescents (both men and women) with clear information about the implications of an HPV infection, they also aim to improve safer sex behaviours: consistent condom usage, limiting the number of sex partners, as well as encouraging regular participation in gynaecological screenings and uptake of the HPV vaccine. As this study population demonstrated positive attitudes towards the primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer, the free HPV vaccination for the 12–13‐year‐old girls in Autumn 2014 will hopefully increase the currently low uptake of the vaccine in Hungary.