The psychosocial burden of HPV: a mixed-method study of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among HPV+ women.

Despite an increased awareness and 'normalization' of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) following the release of the HPV vaccine, the psychosocial impact of an HPV infection, the most common sexually transmissible infection (STI), must not be overshadowed. This study employed in-depth interviews (N = 52) and quantitative surveys (N = 154) to assess the knowledge, emotional impact and behavioral consequences of an HPV-related diagnosis in women who had received abnormal Pap test results. Findings revealed confusion over test results and themes related to stigma, fear, self-blame, powerlessness and anger emerged.

HPV knowledge among HPV+ women.

Objective: To assess knowledge and information seeking among women recently receiving an HPV+ diagnosis.

Methods: A 2-phase mixed methods design was used. In both phase I (qualitative) and phase II (quantitative), women with scheduled gynecological exams and Pap smears at clinic sites were approached to participate.

Women's reactions to HPV diagnosis: insights from in-depth interviews.

Research links certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) to subsequent development of cervical cancer. Women (n=52) recently diagnosed with HPV following an abnormal Pap smear participated in in-depth interviews to explore their knowledge of HPV, their emotional responses to diagnosis, and the extent of their disclosure of their HPV diagnosis to others. Women had many knowledge deficits about HPV.