(Mis)perceptions of HIV and HPV among female college students: a qualitative study.

Unlabelled: Background This study aims to investigate college women's misperceptions about the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods: Twenty college women from an urban, Midwestern university in the United States were recruited to participate in interviews exploring their beliefs about HIV and HPV. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed via interpretive methods.

Results: The college women in this study often conflated or confused HPV and HIV and revealed misperceptions about the severity and prevalence of HPV and HIV.

Conclusion: The results have important implications for understanding college women's sexual risk behaviour and, as a result, can inform the practices of both healthcare providers and public health professionals.