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Healthcare
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HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention
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HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 4740

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andreia Cristina de Melo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Clinical Research and Technological Development Division, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Interests: gynecological cancer; skin tumors; clinical research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cervical cancer is a serious public health problem and represents the fourth most common cancer in women globally. The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries driven by inequalities of access to HPV vaccination, screening and treatment services, and socioeconomic determinants. As demonstrated in many published clinical trials and epidemiological studies, HPV vaccination, screening, and the treatment of pre-invasive lesions are effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. In addition, cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated at an early stage of the disease. A commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem follows the WHO global strategy with three targets (90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women screened with a high-quality test, HPV test as primary screening, instead of conventional or liquid cytopathological examination, by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment) to be achieved in 2030.

I am pleased to invite you to submit a paper to this Special Issue, titled “HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention”, with evidence-based recommendations focused on the current state of the art, health assessment, screening procedures, early diagnosis, long term outcomes, socioeconomic burden, etc.

This Special Issue aims to publish original review and research articles, including translational research and clinical and observational trials.

Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Modeling estimates of HPV vaccination impact;
  • Public awareness of HPV vaccination;
  • Access to HPV vaccination;
  • Information and services to prevention and control of cervical cancer;
  • Impact of HPV vaccination;
  • Screening in HPV vaccinated women;
  • Socioeconomic burden of HPV vaccination.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Andreia Cristina de Melo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • HPV vaccination
  • screening
  • cervical cancer
  • prevention

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 643 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of the Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Scale in Japan
by Ayano Tokuda, Atsuko Shiota, Pasang Wangmo and Kimiko Kawata
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192536 - 8 Oct 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In Japan, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction process is unique, and no HPV knowledge scale with established reliability and validity currently exists. This study aimed to develop a new HPV knowledge scale and evaluate its reliability and validity for practical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In Japan, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction process is unique, and no HPV knowledge scale with established reliability and validity currently exists. This study aimed to develop a new HPV knowledge scale and evaluate its reliability and validity for practical use. Methods: With permission from the original authors of the HPV Knowledge Scale (Jo Waller et al.), we created a Japanese version incorporating the original two subscales and adding new items. The translation process involved multiple researchers, back-translation by a professional agency, and expert review to ensure linguistic and contextual accuracy. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Review Board of the researchers’ affiliated universities and conducted between April and August 2024. Results: Reliability and validity were assessed using data from 793 parents of junior high school students, including both boys and girls. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit (Goodness-of-Fit Index [GFI] = 0.934, Adjusted GFI [AGFI] = 0.907, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.928, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.063). Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.688 to 0.845 and item-total correlations ranged from 0.393 to 0.584. Test–retest reliability, assessed with Spearman’s rank correlation, was r = 0.791 (p < 0.001). The final scale, named the Japan HPV Knowledge Scale (J-HPV-KS), includes 17 items across five factors. Conclusions: The J-HPV-KS covers HPV-related diseases, transmission routes, natural history, and vaccines. It demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity for use in Japan and is a useful tool for assessing HPV-related knowledge among Japanese parents and guardians. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention)
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14 pages, 265 KB  
Article
Exploring Vulnerable, Ethnic Minority, and Low Socioeconomic Children’s Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding HPV Vaccination in Romania
by Teodora Achimaș-Cadariu, Andrei Pașca, Delia Nicoară and Dan Lucian Dumitrașcu
Healthcare 2025, 13(16), 2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13162010 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Background/Objective: To assess vulnerable Romanian children’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccination. Methods: Vulnerable children (ethnic minorities, high social vulnerability index, or low socioeconomic status) from three schools in Cluj County, Romania, were enrolled in a short educational presentation regarding HPV [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: To assess vulnerable Romanian children’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccination. Methods: Vulnerable children (ethnic minorities, high social vulnerability index, or low socioeconomic status) from three schools in Cluj County, Romania, were enrolled in a short educational presentation regarding HPV and were delivered a physical questionnaire consisting of 26 items. Results: 199 vulnerable school students concluded the questionnaire with a mean age of 14.62. Most participants were unaware of the HPV infection or the HPV vaccine. Following the educational program, most participants exhibited a reasonably elevated level of knowledge, which positively correlated with the intention to vaccinate. Fifty-three per cent of respondents would vaccinate in school if the vaccine were available, fifty-four per cent would vaccinate if the product were free of charge or at minimal cost, and over sixty-four per cent would vaccinate at their doctor’s recommendation. Several knowledge items, beliefs, and attitudes towards vaccination were disclosed to influence children’s preference to participate in vaccination campaigns. Conclusions: This analysis unveiled the pivotal role of knowledge about HPV in the immunization uptake within underserved, vulnerable populations of Romanian children. An intricate interplay between vulnerability, knowledge, accessibility, and the willingness to vaccinate was impacted by several beliefs and attitudes towards HPV vaccination. Most children were willing to participate in HPV immunization campaigns, whether school-based, reimbursed, or at the doctor’s recommendation. These findings act as pillars for assembling future educational campaigns in vulnerable Romanian communities of children, aiming to enhance awareness and coverage of HPV vaccination and ensure inclusive health policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention)
17 pages, 883 KB  
Article
A Computational Framework Analysis of Public Attitudes Toward Male Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Vaccination in China: Based on Weibo Data
by Xuan Zhou, Hao Gao and Jun Wang
Healthcare 2025, 13(3), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030287 - 31 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1274
Abstract
Background/Aims: The global promotion of HPV vaccines has underscored the importance of vaccination for both males and females in reducing disease transmission and associated complications. Despite robust evidence supporting male HPV vaccination, China has yet to approve it. Public discussions on male HPV [...] Read more.
Background/Aims: The global promotion of HPV vaccines has underscored the importance of vaccination for both males and females in reducing disease transmission and associated complications. Despite robust evidence supporting male HPV vaccination, China has yet to approve it. Public discussions on male HPV vaccination, influenced by policy delays, gender norms, and commercialization, reveal diverse attitudes and significant challenges in achieving equitable health outcomes. This study investigates public perceptions and attitudes toward male HPV vaccination in China by analyzing cognitive frames and the social, cultural, and economic factors shaping these discussions. Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional design to analyze 4997 Sina Weibo posts using the Analysis of Topic Model Networks (ANTMN), identifying five frames: Disease Risk and Prevention, Virus Transmission, Gender Roles and Perceptions, Vaccine Promotion and Acceptance, and Market Dynamics and Consumption. Results: The findings reveal a significant gap between policy implementation and public awareness of male HPV vaccination in China. Despite growing recognition of its benefits, entrenched gender norms and biases hinder equitable health outcomes. Social media, as a pivotal platform for health communication, plays a dual role in facilitating public discourse while also amplifying misinformation. Policy delays and concerns over vaccine commercialization heighten public hesitancy, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and targeted education. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for systemic efforts to address gender biases, enhance public education on male HPV vaccination, and rebuild trust in vaccination programs. A multifaceted approach is required to bridge these gaps, integrating policy reforms, inclusive health communication strategies, and equitable vaccine access. These measures aim to promote awareness and increase vaccination uptake among males in China, ultimately contributing to more comprehensive and equitable public health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention)
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Review

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12 pages, 1353 KB  
Review
Advancements and Future Perspectives of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Latin America: Insights from Recent Decades
by Marcela Bonalumi dos Santos, Martina Parenza Arenhardt, Giovanna Vieira Giannecchini, Larissa Müller Gomes, Jessé Lopes da Silva, Diocesio Alves Pinto de Andrade and Andréia Cristina de Melo
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192502 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Despite being a preventable disease, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Latin America (LATAM), where mortality rates are nearly three times higher than in North America. HPV vaccination represents one of the most [...] Read more.
Despite being a preventable disease, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Latin America (LATAM), where mortality rates are nearly three times higher than in North America. HPV vaccination represents one of the most important strategies for cervical cancer elimination; however, uptake in these regions has been consistently suboptimal. The aim of this review is to analyze the current status of HPV vaccination programs across LATAM, examines the underlying challenges, and proposes strategies to enhance vaccine coverage. Multiple obstacles to widespread vaccine adoption persist, including limited awareness, cultural stigma, and regional disparities in healthcare access, often driven by socioeconomic and infrastructural limitations. Addressing these challenges through multifaceted interventions—such as school-based vaccination programs, healthcare provider engagement, digital dissemination, simplified dosing schedules, and supportive policy measures—is essential to effectively improve vaccination rates and reduce disease burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention)
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