INTRODUCTION : We can estimated that there are nearly 45 million deaths from cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers worldwide, all of which could be prevented if a sufficient preventive measures for HPV screening and vaccination can be implemented.

OBJECTIVES : The aim of the present habilitiation thesis is to present a synthesis of the research work that I have published on the subject of HPV vaccination and HPV screening.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION : Study 1 aimed to assess the coverage of HPV vaccination among a group of future health professionals, including midwives and nurses, through using a self-sampling technique. The findings here indicated that the prevalence of HPV6/11/16/18 was lower in vaccinated women versus unvaccinated women. Study 2 therefore sought to follow on by developing an understanding of knowledge and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine for healthcare undergraduates (both male and female). The findings indicated a poor understanding of the HPV infection and its prevention, which were then further investigated. Study 3 therefore focused on identifying the factors hindering or promoting HPV vaccination. Taken together, all 3 studies indicate that average vaccination rates are closely related to the information provided on HPV infection and prevention.Study 4 included a randomized controlled trial which revealed that self-sampling is an alternative to conventional cervical cancer screening, by increasing participation and adherence to screening. Subsequently, study 5 involved a systematic review to investigate the use of self-sampling in Latin America (a country that has high incidence and mortality rates relating to cervical cancer). The findings indicate that self-sampling is an acceptable screening method amongst Latin American women, being associated with important factors such as comfort and privacy.

CONCLUSION : Taken together, the studies reviewed demonstrate the need to provide increased access to key prevention strategies through vaccination and self-screening. There is also a clear need to provide information to the vaccine audience, which should be a key focus for prevention programmes. These findings can be used to inform public health policy on HPV prevention efforts.