Hanh said she is very interested in HPV because it's a common sexually transmitted virus that can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth, although rarely. As she plans to get married and start a family soon, she wants to understand HPV thoroughly to take appropriate preventive measures.

Explaining why she waited until marriage to learn about and prevent HPV, Hanh said she was influenced by traditional beliefs.

"Older people said that decades ago, no one knew about HPV, and everyone lived fine. Also, since the virus is only sexually transmitted, I kept postponing learning about it," Hanh said, adding that she will follow the doctor's advice as soon as she receives a response.

Illustration of young people learning about HPV through mobile apps. Photo: Vecteezy

Illustration of young people learning about HPV through mobile apps. Photo: Vecteezy

Minh Ha, 26, from Hai Phong, asked a specialist whether prevention is still necessary after HPV infection and whether the measures are effective. Ha said she wants advice so she can take action immediately if infected with HPV in the future.

Hanh and Ha are among many young people proactively learning about HPV and its prevention. Several recent surveys also show significant public interest in HPV, especially among young people.

The "Community Understanding of HPV" survey, conducted by the Central Health Communication and Education Center of the Ministry of Health for over a month from 21/4 to 23/5, showed considerable attention from young people, both male and female.

Further research into information channels by the Ministry of Health shows that young people receive HPV information and are heavily influenced by social media like Facebook and TikTok, alongside traditional sources like television, newspapers, and healthcare workers.

The survey "Do you misunderstand HPV?", published in VnExpress newspaper from 11-17/3, provides more specific data on young people aged 18-35 interested in HPV. Of over 15,300 participants, 25.5% were aged 18-35, the second largest group after the 36-50 age group with almost 56%. Nearly 22% of young people had heard of or learned about HPV, while only almost 4% had not.

People can proactively consult doctors or medical professionals for appropriate HPV prevention measures. Illustration: Vecteezy

People can proactively consult doctors or medical professionals for appropriate HPV prevention measures. Illustration: Vecteezy

The survey on community understanding of HPV, conducted by the Central Health Communication and Education Center, Ministry of Health, indicates a relatively comprehensive understanding of HPV among the general public and young people. However, many are not proactive in prevention, either because they don't feel it's necessary or believe the risk of infection is low. To further enhance understanding and proactive HPV prevention among young people, communication efforts need to be strengthened, helping people understand the appropriate preventive steps for their age and health status.

The survey also reveals misunderstandings about HPV, such as the belief that prevention is unnecessary after infection or that it's only needed for unsafe sex. In reality, even in monogamous, safe relationships, individuals can still be exposed to HPV. These groups need accurate information to understand and actively protect their health.

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own, but persistent infections can lead to genital warts, precancerous lesions, and HPV-related cancers in both men and women. Young people proactively seeking information, asking questions, and seeking advice from healthcare professionals is a positive sign, reflecting a shift in public awareness about HPV. Taking initiative in reproductive health not only reduces the risk of HPV-related diseases but also establishes long-term healthy habits.

Van Ha

To raise awareness about HPV prevention, the Ministry of Health launched the nationwide communication campaign "For a Vietnam without the burden of HPV," calling for: "Each individual protects themselves - The community is not burdened by HPV." Consult a healthcare professional immediately and learn more about HPV and the campaign at the website hpv.vn.

This content was jointly compiled by the Central Health Communication and Education Center, Ministry of Health and MSD, verified by the Central Health Communication and Education Center, Ministry of Health and sponsored by MSD for educational purposes.