Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Dec 2023)
The Relationship Between the Level of Knowledge About Human Papillomavirus and the Level of Anxiety and Sexual Satisfaction in Women with a Positive HPV Test
Abstract
Background and purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a tiny virus of the papillomavirus family that infects skin and mucosal cells and can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. In general, all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) have negative psychological effects. In addition, the diagnosis of HPV has a wide impact on the mental health of patients and their sexual activity, which may make the patient feel ashamed and disrupt the patient's relationship with his life partner. The level of anxiety and sexual satisfaction has not been measured in women with HPV in Iran, yet. Therefore, the purpose this study was to investigate their awareness of the HPV virus and its relationship with the level of anxiety and sexual satisfaction of the patients with a positive HPV test. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Women who had a positive HPV test at the first visit after the HPV test result were recruited. All patients who visited two different academic and private centers between September 2018 and March of the same year after receiving their HPV test results were involved in the study. First, their consent was obtained to involve in this study. Then, a demographic questionnaire, Beck's anxiety questionnaire, sexual satisfaction index and HPV awareness questionnaire were completed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software, and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 159 participants with an average age of 32.3 years and a standard deviation of 6.64 years were included in the analysis. The results showed that age has a reverse and significant relationship with the level of knowledge of HPV. The awareness of HPV decreases as the age of the participants increases(P0.05). Additionally, no significant relationship was found between the level of anxiety and sexual dissatisfaction, age and the level of anxiety and/or sexual dissatisfaction (P>0.05). Conclusion: In general note, the level of population’s knowledge about HPV is low. Healthcare workers and medical students have better knowledge of the subject but it is still insufficient. Patients should also be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals for their anxiety control. Establishing a trust-based relationship between the doctor and the patient is essential for maintaining the patient's desire to continue the treatment.
