0000000000365975
AUTHOR
Kristine Pčolkina
Awareness of HPV infection and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among Latvian adolescents
Objective\ud To evaluate awareness of HPV and its vaccine among Latvian adolescents.\ud \ud Methods\ud A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a 2‐week period in September 2015 among 270 adolescents attending a secondary school in Riga, Latvia. All students present during sexual‐health classes (grades 10–12 [aged 16–21 years]) were included. A self‐administered paper‐based survey assessed sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviours, smear history and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and sources of information.\ud \ud Results\ud Overall, 121 surveys were completed (62 by male students and 59 by female students). Latvian adolescents lacked awarene…
Barriers and motivators for uptake of cervical cancer prevention strategies in Eastern Europe: Perspective from Latvia
Introduction The incidence of cervical cancer (CC) in eastern European countries is high; however, uptake of available prevention strategies is suboptimal. We explored knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes toward CC prevention strategies in Latvian women. Methods A mixed-methods study of Latvian women, consisting of surveys and semi-structured interviews, was conducted in Riga, Latvia in September and October 2015. Results Altogether, 158 surveys were completed and 10 interviews were conducted. In total, 87% (n = 135) had previously had a smear test, and 67% (n = 105) correctly identified that cervical cytology was performed to identify precancerous changes. The practice of annual gynecologic…