Investigation of Nursing Students' Opinions on HPV Infection and HPV Vaccine in Turkey: A Qualitative Study 

Background: A number of interventions are needed to remove barriers to early screening for cervical cancer. A step-by-step strategy is required for these interventions to be successful. The first stage will be building consensus among trained health care providers, policy makers and educators. This study aimed to determine nursing students’ opinions about HPV infection and HPV vaccine. Methods: A qualitative focus group discussion study. A state university in western Turkey Undergraduate nursing students recruited through purposive sampling. The research data were collected on an online platform with the focus group interview method by using the Participant Information Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form. Results: Three main themes (HPV infection/vaccine perception, severity perception, suggestions and requests/facilitators) and eight sub-themes were developed based on the thematic analysis of the research findings. Conclusions: According to the findings, it was concluded that nursing students’ opinions on HPV infection and HPV vaccine were affected by factors related to cultural, religious and sexual behaviors. Based on study results, it is suggested to organize national cervical screening programs to increase public’s knowledge and awareness on the subject in accordance with the socio-cultural norms of the society with the agreement and cooperation of educated health service providers, policy makers and educators.