Women's Experiences of Infection With Human Papillomavirus in the Face of Disease Symptoms: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as one of the sexually transmitted diseases and the main cause of cervical cancer with its own significant psychological problems. Considering the hidden social aspects associated with these behaviors and since no qualitative research has focused on this issue in Iran, the present study sought to explain women's experiences of infection with HPV. Materials and Methods: This qualitative research was conducted based on conventional content analysis. To this end, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were fulfilled with 20 individuals (13 women with HPV and 7 key informants) after obtaining participants' consent. Data analysis was also carried out simultaneously with data collection. Results: Following the code extraction, participants' experiences in the face of HPV symptoms were grouped into two main categories of psychological responses (i.e., concern, fear and panic, unbelievable acceptance, unpleasant feelings, individual's response to the disease, as well as reactions by people, family, and husband in the face of the disease) and physical experiences of the disease (i.e., clinical symptoms and long incubation period of the virus). Each subcategory also contained a code that was demonstrated with statements provided by study participants. Conclusions: The results of this study highlighted the importance of understanding the risk of HPV. It was further recommended to provide preventive counseling in community health centers, as well as advising and guiding patients in therapy clinics.