Comparing knowledge and perceived risk related to the human papilloma virus among Australian women of diverse sexual orientations

Abstract

Objectives: The study compared levels of awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) between women of different sexual orientations. It also examined self-reported risk factors for HPV infection, perceived level of personal risk, and willingness to have the HPV vaccine. Methods: Recruitment occurred through community sampling and data was collected using a self-completion questionnaire. Results: A convenience sample of 349 women completed the questionnaire in early 2007, 309 were sexually active; 47.6% had lifetime sexual partners of both genders, 26.9% had only male partners, and 25.5% had only female partners. Women with partners of both genders wer..