Linda Smail

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination among Emirati women

This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer (CC), and HPV vaccination among Emirati women with the goal of informing the development of targeted public health interventions. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among Emirati women from January to May 2024 among Emirati women. A systematic sampling approach was used to recruit participants from Zayed University, Ajman University, and Al Tawam Hospital, in which context every third eligible adult female visitor was invited to participate in this research. The main outcome measures were KAPs practices regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination. The study included 216 Emirati women (median age: 21 years, range: 18-60 years). While 64.4% of the participants reported good knowledge about HPV infection and CC, only 58.3% reported good knowledge regarding HPV vaccination. Negative attitudes toward HPV infection and CC were reported by 76.9% of the participants. Preventive practices were reportedly high (72.2%), but only 28.2% of the participants had actually received the HPV vaccination. Despite relatively high levels of CC awareness, misconceptions about HPV transmission and vaccination persist among Emirati women. Enhancing health education, involving healthcare providers, and addressing cultural concerns are essential for efforts to improve HPV prevention strategies and increase vaccine uptake in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Quality of Life of Emirati Women with Cervical Cancer Using EORTC QLQ-30 and CX24: A First Look in the UAE

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally and remains a prevalent malignancy among Emirati women. This study assessed the quality of life of Emirati women with cervical cancer and identified key factors influencing their well-being to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 Emirati women diagnosed with cervical cancer utilizing the Arabic-translated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, independent-sample t-tests, and, where assumptions were violated, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The mean global health status/QoL score was 64.4 (SD ± 20.4), indicating moderate well-being. The cognitive (69.9 ± 23.5) and role functioning (65.1 ± 25.0) scores were relatively high, whereas the social functioning score was lower (61.8 ± 25.2). Fatigue (41.5 ± 27.5), sleep disturbance (40.7 ± 31.3), and pain (39.4 ± 27.6) were the most prevalent symptoms. Radiotherapy negatively impacted sexual enjoyment (p = 0.019), whereas lower income and metastases were associated with worse symptom burden. Higher education, employment, and physical activity correlated positively with functional well-being. Conclusions: Early-stage diagnosis, financial stability, and physical activity were key predictors of better QoL. Addressing financial disparities, managing symptoms, and improving survivorship care are essential.