Human Papillomavirus InfectionNCT06800456
The Role of Cyberchondria Severity in the Relationship Between HPV Awareness and Vaccination Attitudes in Adult Women
An observational study of Human Papillomavirus Infection and HPV Vaccines, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection linked to nearly all cases (99%) of cervical cancer. Prophylactic HPV vaccination is effective in preventing these cancers, complemented by HPV screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 49 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Human Papillomavirus Infection, HPV Vaccines, Cyberchondria
- How many people
- 337 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2024to 1 Dec 2024
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 49 years
- Women only
- Adult
Study population: The study includes women aged 18-49 years, who have completed at least elementary school education. The study aims to explore awareness and concern levels regarding HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) among women within the specified age range and educational background.
Who may be able to join
- Women aged 18-49 years old
- At least elementary school education
Who cannot join
- Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders
- Women who are HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) positive
- Any condition that would hinder communication (e.g., language barrier)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection linked to nearly all cases (99%) of cervical cancer. Prophylactic HPV vaccination is effective in preventing these cancers, complemented by HPV screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 through focused efforts on vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Primary prevention strategies include reducing sexual risk factors and administering prophylactic vaccines. Despite awareness of HPV testing, many women lack understanding of its importance and fail to follow through with screenings and necessary treatments. Overall societal awareness of HPV remains inadequate.
Read more
Studies reveal disparities in HPV vaccine awareness: while 60.7% of women have heard of the vaccine, only 1% have received it. Awareness varies widely across regions, with Turkey reporting rates from 3.8% to 57%, and vaccine awareness ranging from 2.2% to 74.7% (Özdemir et al., 2020). In the UK, concerns over potential negative results lead many women to defer HPV testing.
Health anxiety, defined as interpreting minor symptoms as serious health issues, drives individuals to seek excessive online health information, a phenomenon known as cyberchondria. Studies link cyberchondria with heightened health anxiety, exacerbated by prolonged internet searches.
Barriers to HPV screening and vaccination include fear of side effects, lack of information, cost concerns, and anxiety over potential outcomes. While women testing positive for HPV show higher levels of cyberchondria, no direct correlation has been established between cyberchondria severity and HPV awareness or vaccination attitudes in adult women.
This summary encapsulates the key findings and insights from the referenced studies on HPV, vaccination, and health anxiety.
- Conditions
- Human Papillomavirus Infection, HPV Vaccines, Cyberchondria, Awareness, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Medical subject headings
- Papillomavirus Infections, Behavior
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Introduction Information Forum
This form, prepared by researchers in accordance with the literature, includes general questions about women's sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, and health-seeking behaviors. The form consists of a total of 32 questions
Measured: Upon presentation to the clinic
Human Papilloma Virus Awareness and Concern Scale for Women (Women HPV-ACS)
Developed by Esencan et al. (2023), this scale aims to measure awareness and concern levels related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The scale comprises 19 items organized into three subscales. Scores range from 0 to 76, with higher scores indicating greater awareness of HPV. The subscales include: Concerns about health (items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14), Concerns about social exclusion (items 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), and Awareness (items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Responses are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Definitely disagree) to 4 (Definitely agree). The Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient for the scale is 0.905 (Esencan et al., 2023)
Measured: Upon presentation to the clinic
Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-SF)
Developed by McElroy and Shevlin in 2019 and validated by Yam et al. (2023), the CSS-SF consists of 12 items assessing the severity of online symptom searching behaviors related to health concerns. The scale includes four subscales: Excessiveness, Distress, Reassurance-seeking, and Compulsion. Responses are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Total scores range from 5 to 60, with higher scores indicating greater severity of cyberchondria. The total Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the scale is 0.89, with subscale Cronbach's Alpha values ranging as follows: 0.83, 0.79, 0.70, 0.80 (Yam et al., 2023).
These descriptions outline the key measures used in the study to assess awareness and concern levels regarding HPV and severity of cyberchondria among women.
Measured: Upon presentation to the clinic
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2024
- Primary completion1 Dec 2024
- Study completion1 Dec 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (16)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Human Papillomavirus InfectionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Acibadem UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 337 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Merve Coskun, Acibadem University
- Investigators
- Merve Coşkun, phd, Principal investigator, Acibadem Universityİrem Nur Özdemir, phd, Principal investigator, Bakirköy Dr.Sadi Konuk Trainng and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06800456
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-7-268
- Status last verified
- Jan 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Jul 2024
- Last updated
- 30 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Agrawal V, Khulbe Y, Singh A, Kar SK. The digital health dilemma: Exploring cyberchondria, well-being, and smartphone addiction in medical and non-medical undergraduates. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Mar;66(3):256-262. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_570_23. Epub 2024 Mar 18.
PubMed 39100122Barke A, Bleichhardt G, Rief W, Doering BK. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS): German Validation and Development of a Short Form. Int J Behav Med. 2016 Oct;23(5):595-605. doi: 10.1007/s12529-016-9549-8.
PubMed 26931780Baumgartner SE, Hartmann T. The role of health anxiety in online health information search. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011 Oct;14(10):613-8. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2010.0425. Epub 2011 May 6.
PubMed 21548797Dany M, Chidiac A, Nassar AH. Human papillomavirus vaccination: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of college female students in Lebanon, a developing country. Vaccine. 2015 Feb 18;33(8):1001-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.009. Epub 2015 Jan 15.
PubMed 25597945Eskisu M, Cam Z, Boysan M. Health-Related Cognitions and Metacognitions Indirectly Contribute to the Relationships Between Impulsivity, Fear of COVID-19, and Cyberchondria. J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther. 2023 Jan 9:1-23. doi: 10.1007/s10942-022-00495-7. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 36687465Guvenc G, Seven M, Akyuz A. Health Belief Model Scale for Human Papilloma Virus and its Vaccination: Adaptation and Psychometric Testing. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016 Jun;29(3):252-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.09.007. Epub 2015 Sep 26.
PubMed 26409648Hendry M, Pasterfield D, Lewis R, Clements A, Damery S, Neal RD, Adke R, Weller D, Campbell C, Patnick J, Sasieni P, Hurt C, Wilson S, Wilkinson C. Are women ready for the new cervical screening protocol in England? A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of views about human papillomavirus testing. Br J Cancer. 2012 Jul 10;107(2):243-54. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2012.256. Epub 2012 Jun 14.
PubMed 22699825Mousavi, T., Rezapour, M., Moosazadeh, M., Ghaffari, N., & Nazari, Z. (2023). The relationship between the level of knowledge about human papillomavirus and the level of anxiety and sexual satisfaction in women with a positive HPV test. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 33(2), 329-334.
Norr AM, Allan NP, Boffa JW, Raines AM, Schmidt NB. Validation of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS): replication and extension with bifactor modeling. J Anxiety Disord. 2015 Apr;31:58-64. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 Feb 14.
PubMed 25734759Ozdemir S, Akkaya R, Karasahin KE. Analysis of community-based studies related with knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behaviors towards HPV and HPV vaccine published in Turkey: A systematic review. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2020 Jun 8;21(2):111-123. doi: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2019.2019.0071. Epub 2019 Aug 9.
PubMed 31397145Patel H, Moss EL, Sherman SM. HPV primary cervical screening in England: Women's awareness and attitudes. Psychooncology. 2018 Jun;27(6):1559-1564. doi: 10.1002/pon.4694. Epub 2018 Apr 16.
PubMed 29521462Starcevic V, Schimmenti A, Billieux J, Berle D. Cyberchondria in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Behav Emerg Technol. 2021 Jan;3(1):53-62. doi: 10.1002/hbe2.233. Epub 2020 Nov 23.
PubMed 33363277Turhan Cakir A. Cyberchondria levels in women with human papilloma virus. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2022 Oct;48(10):2610-2614. doi: 10.1111/jog.15354. Epub 2022 Jul 8.
PubMed 35801694World Health Organization. (2021). WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical precancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014107
Yılmaz, B., Hat, B. N., Yürekli, Y., & Oskay, Ü. (2021). Genç erişkinlerin human papilloma virüs (HPV) ve hpv aşısına ilişkin bilgi ve görüşleri: Kesitsel bir çalışma. KOU Sag Bil Derg, 7(2), 138-148.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Role of Cyberchondria Severity in the Relationship Between HPV Awareness and Vaccination Attitudes in Adult Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06800456
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024-7-268
- Conditions
- Human Papillomavirus Infection, HPV Vaccines, Cyberchondria, Awareness, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 337 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection linked to nearly all cases (99%) of cervical cancer. Prophylactic HPV vaccination is effective in preventing these cancers, complemented by HPV screening and treatment of precancerous lesions. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 through focused efforts on vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Primary prevention strategies include reducing sexual risk factors and administering prophylactic vaccines. Despite awareness of HPV testing, many women lack understanding of its importance and fail to follow through with screenings and necessary treatments. Overall societal awareness of HPV remains inadequate.
Studies reveal disparities in HPV vaccine awareness: while 60.7% of women have heard of the vaccine, only 1% have received it. Awareness varies widely across regions, with Turkey reporting rates from 3.8% to 57%, and vaccine awareness ranging from 2.2% to 74.7% (Özdemir et al., 2020). In the UK, concerns over potential negative results lead many women to defer HPV testing.
Health anxiety, defined as interpreting minor symptoms as serious health issues, drives individuals to seek excessive online health information, a phenomenon known as cyberchondria. Studies link cyberchondria with heightened health anxiety, exacerbated by prolonged internet searches.
Barriers to HPV screening and vaccination include fear of side effects, lack of information, cost concerns, and anxiety over potential outcomes. While women testing positive for HPV show higher levels of cyberchondria, no direct correlation has been established between cyberchondria severity and HPV awareness or vaccination attitudes in adult women.
This summary encapsulates the key findings and insights from the referenced studies on HPV, vaccination, and health anxiety.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 49 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The study includes women aged 18-49 years, who have completed at least elementary school education. The study aims to explore awareness and concern levels regarding HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) among women within the specified age range and educational background.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Women aged 18-49 years old
- At least elementary school education
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders
- Women who are HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) positive
- Any condition that would hinder communication (e.g., language barrier)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Introduction Information Forum
Time frame: Upon presentation to the clinic
This form, prepared by researchers in accordance with the literature, includes general questions about women's sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, and health-seeking behaviors. The form consists of a total of 32 questions
Human Papilloma Virus Awareness and Concern Scale for Women (Women HPV-ACS)
Time frame: Upon presentation to the clinic
Developed by Esencan et al. (2023), this scale aims to measure awareness and concern levels related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The scale comprises 19 items organized into three subscales. Scores range from 0 to 76, with higher scores indicating greater awareness of HPV. The subscales include: Concerns about health (items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14), Concerns about social exclusion (items 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), and Awareness (items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Responses are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Definitely disagree) to 4 (Definitely agree). The Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient for the scale is 0.905 (Esencan et al., 2023)
Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-SF)
Time frame: Upon presentation to the clinic
Developed by McElroy and Shevlin in 2019 and validated by Yam et al. (2023), the CSS-SF consists of 12 items assessing the severity of online symptom searching behaviors related to health concerns. The scale includes four subscales: Excessiveness, Distress, Reassurance-seeking, and Compulsion. Responses are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Total scores range from 5 to 60, with higher scores indicating greater severity of cyberchondria. The total Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the scale is 0.89, with subscale Cronbach's Alpha values ranging as follows: 0.83, 0.79, 0.70, 0.80 (Yam et al., 2023). These descriptions outline the key measures used in the study to assess awareness and concern levels regarding HPV and severity of cyberchondria among women.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Jan 2025.
- Background: PubMed 39100122Agrawal V, Khulbe Y, Singh A, Kar SK. The digital health dilemma: Exploring cyberchondria, well-being, and smartphone addiction in medical and non-medical undergraduates. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Mar;66(3):256-262. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_570_23. Epub 2024 Mar 18.
- Background: PubMed 26931780Barke A, Bleichhardt G, Rief W, Doering BK. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS): German Validation and Development of a Short Form. Int J Behav Med. 2016 Oct;23(5):595-605. doi: 10.1007/s12529-016-9549-8.
- Background: PubMed 21548797Baumgartner SE, Hartmann T. The role of health anxiety in online health information search. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011 Oct;14(10):613-8. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2010.0425. Epub 2011 May 6.
- Background: PubMed 25597945Dany M, Chidiac A, Nassar AH. Human papillomavirus vaccination: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of college female students in Lebanon, a developing country. Vaccine. 2015 Feb 18;33(8):1001-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.009. Epub 2015 Jan 15.
- Background: PubMed 36687465Eskisu M, Cam Z, Boysan M. Health-Related Cognitions and Metacognitions Indirectly Contribute to the Relationships Between Impulsivity, Fear of COVID-19, and Cyberchondria. J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther. 2023 Jan 9:1-23. doi: 10.1007/s10942-022-00495-7. Online ahead of print.
- Background: PubMed 26409648Guvenc G, Seven M, Akyuz A. Health Belief Model Scale for Human Papilloma Virus and its Vaccination: Adaptation and Psychometric Testing. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016 Jun;29(3):252-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.09.007. Epub 2015 Sep 26.
- Background: PubMed 22699825Hendry M, Pasterfield D, Lewis R, Clements A, Damery S, Neal RD, Adke R, Weller D, Campbell C, Patnick J, Sasieni P, Hurt C, Wilson S, Wilkinson C. Are women ready for the new cervical screening protocol in England? A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of views about human papillomavirus testing. Br J Cancer. 2012 Jul 10;107(2):243-54. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2012.256. Epub 2012 Jun 14.
- BackgroundMousavi, T., Rezapour, M., Moosazadeh, M., Ghaffari, N., & Nazari, Z. (2023). The relationship between the level of knowledge about human papillomavirus and the level of anxiety and sexual satisfaction in women with a positive HPV test. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 33(2), 329-334.
- Background: PubMed 25734759Norr AM, Allan NP, Boffa JW, Raines AM, Schmidt NB. Validation of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS): replication and extension with bifactor modeling. J Anxiety Disord. 2015 Apr;31:58-64. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 Feb 14.
- Background: PubMed 31397145Ozdemir S, Akkaya R, Karasahin KE. Analysis of community-based studies related with knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behaviors towards HPV and HPV vaccine published in Turkey: A systematic review. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2020 Jun 8;21(2):111-123. doi: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2019.2019.0071. Epub 2019 Aug 9.
- Background: PubMed 29521462Patel H, Moss EL, Sherman SM. HPV primary cervical screening in England: Women's awareness and attitudes. Psychooncology. 2018 Jun;27(6):1559-1564. doi: 10.1002/pon.4694. Epub 2018 Apr 16.
- Background: PubMed 33363277Starcevic V, Schimmenti A, Billieux J, Berle D. Cyberchondria in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Behav Emerg Technol. 2021 Jan;3(1):53-62. doi: 10.1002/hbe2.233. Epub 2020 Nov 23.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Merve Coşkun, phd principal investigator
Acibadem University
İrem Nur Özdemir, phd principal investigator
Bakirköy Dr.Sadi Konuk Trainng and Research Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Human Papillomavirus Infection and HPV Vaccines, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Introduction Information Forum (time frame: Upon presentation to the clinic). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06800456, which also lists 16 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jan 2025.