Assessment of health beliefs about Human Papillomavirus infection in a women's health reference center in southeast Pará

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate health beliefs related to HPV infection among women assisted at a women's health reference center in the Southeast region of Pará, Brazil. Methods: This is an observational, quantitative study conducted between February and April 2025, involving 50 participants. A questionnaire containing the CHBMS and CWS scales was applied to assess knowledge about HPV, risk perception, preventive behavior, and history of infection. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (approval no. 7.381.818). Results: The sample consisted predominantly of young women (72%), single (52%), living in urban areas, with low income and Christian religion (82%). Among the participants, 24% reported previous HPV infection. An association was observed between religion and perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, indicating a higher sense of risk among religious women. Conclusion: Health beliefs influence adherence to prevention and screening practices, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive educational strategies that promote self-care and expand vaccination coverage.