National HPV Vaccination Program in Poland-Public Awareness, Sources of Knowledge, and Willingness to Vaccinate Children against HPV

Sociodemographic factors determining the choice of pharmacy and the level of trust in pharmacists - a 2024 cross-sectional pilot survey in Poland

The role of pharmacists and pharmacies has changed in Poland. Since 2021, a pharmacist can provide health services as part of pharmaceutical care. For this reason, we conducted an analysis of the perception of pharmacies and pharmacists by Polish society, focusing on factors influencing the choice of a pharmacy and trust in pharmacists.The cross-sectional study was conducted on May 10-13, 2024, on a representative nationwide sample of 1,126 adults.Sociodemographic factors influenced the choice of pharmacy and trust in it. Younger people (18-24 years old) gave priority to price, married people considered both price and location. Rural residents placed emphasis on product availability, and people who often buy medicines looked for pharmacies near physician's offices. Trust in pharmacists was higher among older people, married people and people with higher education. Logistic regression analysis showed that age 65 years and older (p < 0.001), financial status (p < 0.001) and frequency of medicine purchase (p < 0.001) influenced trust in pharmacists. Marriage (p < 0.01) and rural residence (p < 0.01) were associated with choice of pharmacies based on location. Price was influenced by age (30-39 years) (p < 0.05), marital status (p < 0.05) and frequency of medicine purchase (p < 0.001). More than half of respondents perceived pharmacies as places of health care, indicating a change in their role. However, convenience and price were dominant factors, with 61.8% choosing pharmacies due to proximity and 40.9% due to low prices. The survey found that 79.9% of respondents trusted pharmacists, but only 11.5% chose a pharmacy based on trust.

Evaluation of Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Oral Health Implications: A Comparative Study of Polish Medical and Dental Students

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus belonging to the Papillomaviridae family. Infection may be asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or clinically evident. It is mostly transmitted through sexual activity. It is estimated that approximately half of sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV, and among women over 50, this percentage increases to 80%. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among medical and dental students regarding the impact of HPV infection on oral health. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study of 562 Polish medical and dental students. The questionnaire was originally designed based on the available literature and consisted of two sections: demographic questions and detailed questions about HPV and its impact on oral health. The data were analyzed using Statistica v. 13.3. All tests were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, 541 remained and were included in the analysis. The medical students achieved a significantly higher average score compared to the dental students (p < 0.001). The students of higher years of studies were more knowledgeable. This tendency was observed both among all respondents together and among the medical and dentistry students separately. Conclusions: The medical students demonstrated a significantly higher level of knowledge on the discussed topic. However, both groups provided correct answers at a relatively unsatisfactory level because the overall value of the results obtained was below 60%. By the end of their education, the students in both fields demonstrated improved knowledge. The dental students gave an average of 74% correct answers, while the medical students achieved 73%. Therefore, the quality of university education regarding the relationship between HPV infection and oral lesions should be improved.

HPV and Cervical Cancer-Biology, Prevention, and Treatment Updates

One of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer research has been the identification of persistent infection with certain human papillomaviruses (HPV) genotypes as the cause of cervical cancer. Since then, a range of diagnostic and therapeutic methods has been developed based on this discovery. This article aims to describe the latest updates in the biology, prevention, and treatment of HPV-related cervical cancer. The current state of knowledge regarding vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and cervical cancer therapies is presented. The latest WHO guidelines on vaccinations are presented, as well as announcements of upcoming changes. The final part of the article summarizes promising new diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as perspectives and the latest research findings on self-administered diagnostic tests, the use of therapeutic vaccines, and circulating cell-free DNA in diagnosis. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, the strategy based on vaccination and testing remains the cornerstone in the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccination: Insights into knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Albanian women

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread skin-to-skin transmitted infection that poses a global health concern. Although Albania faced prior challenges, it has recently introduced a quadrivalent recombinant HPV vaccine, a critical step in preventing cervical cancer among young women. This study aims to identify potential gaps in knowledge and attitudes among Albanian women regarding cervical cancer and HPV infection, as well as provide insights into the effectiveness of the national primary prevention program.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 473 Albanian women using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information, awareness on HPV infection and cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination practices. The association between sociodemographic variables and outcome measures was explored using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS.

Results

Most of the participants fell within the age range of 18 to 30 years old (42.1 %). 71.7 % of the respondents lived in urban areas. According to the study findings, a considerable proportion of the participants demonstrated knowledge of cervical cancer, with 66.6 % correctly identifying HPV infection as a major cause of this disease. Additionally, the study uncovered that a substantial number of participants had an acceptable awareness (59.6 %) about the HPV vaccine. Nevertheless, 48.4 % of the participants expressed concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety.

Conclusions

The study reveals knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HPV transmission, hereditary aspects, and its connection to various cancers. While a positive attitude towards preventive measures exists, concerns about HPV vaccination safety and efficacy underscore the need for targeted education campaigns to enhance awareness and accessibility, addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making for effective cervical cancer prevention.

Public Awareness and Willingness to Vaccinate Against Herpes Zoster: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

OBJECTIVES

Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by varicella zoster virus reactivation, affects a significant portion of the population, leading to substantial morbidity. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing HZ, yet awareness and uptake remain low. This study assessed awareness and willingness to vaccinate against HZ in Poland following the introduction of a reimbursement policy.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional survey (September 2024) using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method collected data from 1137 adults. Factors associated with HZ vaccine awareness and willingness were analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Only 47% of respondents reported awareness of the HZ vaccine. Television was the primary information source (52%). Factors associated with awareness included chronic disease status (aOR = 1.35, 1.02-1.80, p = 0.04). Willingness to vaccinate was reported by 63.7% of eligible participants, with factors such as the absence of children (aOR = 1.30, 1.01-1.69, p = 0.04) and moderate financial status (aOR = 1.51, 1.04-2.18, p = 0.03) being associated with higher willingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant gaps exist in public awareness and willingness to vaccinate against HZ in Poland. Multifaceted strategies, including targeted media campaigns, enhanced physician engagement and improved access, are needed to increase vaccination rates.

Public Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Pharmacy-Based Immunization in Poland-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, 2024

Pharmacy vaccinations are a key public health intervention. This study aimed to assess society's knowledge about pharmacy vaccinations in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2024 among 1126 adults; the survey questionnaire contained 13 closed questions. Men (OR: 1.32; [1.02-1.70]; p < 0.05), and people aged 50-64 (OR: 1.55; [1.05-2.28]; p < 0.05), people with higher education (OR:1.74; [1.35-2.26]; p < 0.001), and people declaring trust in the pharmacist's competencies (OR:3.95; [3.03-5.15]; p < 0.001) more often declared knowledge of vaccinations in pharmacies. Support for these services was declared by men (OR:1.74; [1.28-2.36]; p < 0.001) and people with higher education (OR:1.39; [1.02-1.89]; p < 0.05) and participants declaring trust in the pharmacist's competences (OR:20.30; [14.65-28.11]; p < 0.001). Trust in pharmacists was important. People declaring trust in pharmacists were much more willing to get vaccinated against influenza (40.2%) and zoster (38.0%) at a pharmacy and declared that they would vaccinate their children against HPV at a pharmacy (38.8%) compared to people who did not trust the competences of pharmacists (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the case of influenza. People who trusted pharmacists were five times more likely to declare their willingness to get vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.001).

Childhood vaccination among Polish immigrants in Norway: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Confidence in childhood vaccination is high in Norway and the Norwegian Childhood Immunization Programme (NCIP) achieves high overall coverage rates. However, lower coverage has been observed for some immigrant groups, including Polish immigrants who represent the largest immigrant group in Norway. Anti-vaccine sentiments and increased refusal of mandatory childhood vaccination has been on the rise in Poland, but it is unknown whether such attitudes also apply to Polish immigrants in Norway, as they experience a different vaccination policy and perhaps also different attitudes to vaccines. This qualitative study aims to explore attitudes towards childhood vaccination in Norway among Polish immigrants.

METHODS

We interviewed 15 Polish parents living in Norway in 2022. We recruited the participants by purposive sampling and analyzed the interviews by reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified: views of childhood vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and differences in childhood vaccination between Poland and Norway. Overall, the participants favored childhood vaccination and viewed most of the vaccines included in the NCIP as safe and reliable. Human papilloma virus, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines were declined by some of the parents. Comparisons of childhood vaccination in Poland and Norway was evident in many of the interviews, especially among parents whose children had received vaccines in both countries. The participants were well acquainted with the NCIP, favored voluntary childhood vaccination, and the majority expressed a high level of trust in Norwegian health authorities.

CONCLUSIONS

Polish immigrants to Norway generally expressed positive views about childhood vaccination. Non-vaccination was related to lack of knowledge and/or unfamiliarity with certain vaccines and not with anti-vaccine sentiments or conspiracy theories. The study highlights how parents' knowledge, in combination with norms and trends from both birth country and country of residence, influence parents' decision making about vaccination.

Analyzing the dynamics of meningococcal vaccinations initiatives by local government units in Poland (2017-2021) - Scope, challenges and recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Meningococcal vaccinations are recommended by Polish public health authorities but lack coverage under health insurance, prompting Local Government Units (LGUs) to implement local health policy programs. This study examines the effectiveness and impact of LGU-driven meningococcal vaccination initiatives in Poland between 2017 and 2021.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis utilized data from reports on local public health interventions submitted annually to the Ministry of Health in Poland. The study focused on the number of meningococcal vaccination programs, their scope, the vaccinated population, and associated program costs. Additionally, nationwide data on meningococcal disease incidence and vaccine uptake were analyzed.

RESULTS

Within LGUs programs, 48,617 individuals received meningococcal vaccinations, constituting approximately 10% of all vaccinations in Poland during the study period. Notably, cities with poviat rights spearheaded programs covering 54% of the total participants. The total cost incurred by these initiatives amounted to EUR 2,553,661.

CONCLUSIONS

While LGUs activities positively contributed to increased meningococcal vaccination rates, the overall engagement of local governments remains limited. The findings underscore the importance of expanding local government involvement in meningococcal vaccination programs to address public health needs effectively. Improved collaboration and increased funding may enhance the reach and impact of these initiatives.

Investigating Beliefs in Anti-Vax Conspiracy Theories among Medical Students

While the doctors' role in immunization is essential, their lack of knowledge or vaccine hesitancy may affect their ability to communicate effectively and educate patients about vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine conspiracy theories. This, in turn, may hinder health policy aimed at fighting infectious diseases. Vaccine hesitancy is prevalent not only among the general population but also among healthcare workers; thus, this study is aimed at assessing future doctors' attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories. A total of 441 medical students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences completed a web-based survey designed to explore their attitudes toward the six most prevalent anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The survey showed that although over 97% of future doctors support vaccinations as an effective form of fighting infectious diseases, and 80% did not believe in any anti-vax conspiracy theory, a significant fraction of 20% of medical students either believed in at least one such theory or were unsure. It has also shown that male and younger students who had not received a flu vaccination and defined themselves as politically right-wing or conservative and religious were more likely to believe in anti-vax conspiracy theories. Our data suggest that, in order to overcome medical students' ambivalent attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories, they should receive more education about the importance of vaccination in preventing disease and about effective ways to combat vaccine hesitancy and anti-vax conspiracy theories.