Current status and influencing factors of different dimensions of HPV knowledge among HPV-infected women

HR-HPV infection is a primary risk factor for the development of cervical cancer and its precursors. The perceived status of HPV among patients can trigger negative emotional responses, which subsequently impact their willingness to participate in disease screening and health promotion efforts. This study examined the current knowledge status and sources of information regarding various dimensions of HPV among women infected with HPV attending gynecology outpatient clinics in hospitals from September 2023 to June 2024. A total of 505 participants were included in the study, yielding an overall HPV-related knowledge score of 10 (range: 4-15) among infected women. Notably, 10.30% (52 participants) scored 0 for HPV knowledge. Additionally, those who acquired it through multiple channels had lower risks of low awareness regarding HPV risk factors, preventive measures, and general knowledge (p < 0.05). The overall awareness of HPV among women with HPV infection in Shanghai requires improvement.