Volume 22, Issue 3 (10-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(3): 418-430 |
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Research code: IR.MUMS.FHMPM.REC.1401.163
Ethics code: IR.MUMS.FHMPM.REC.1401.163
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Nasrabadi M, Moravejifar M, Tavakoli-Sany S B, Peyman N. Knowledge and Attitudes of Muslim Women towards Human Papillomavirus Infection: A Systematic Review. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (3) :418-430
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1966-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1966-en.html
1- PhD Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health AND Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Management, School of Public Health AND Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Basic Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3- Professor, Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Basic Sciences AND Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Management, School of Public Health AND Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Basic Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3- Professor, Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Institute of Basic Sciences AND Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract: (4 Views)
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global epidemic. Conservative cultural and religious views may pose barriers to education on sexually transmitted disease prevention and HPV preventive measures in Muslim countries. The present systematic review was conducted to examine the knowledge and attitudes of Muslim women worldwide regarding HPV.
Methods: This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, included descriptive cross-sectional studies published between 2010 and 2021. The literature search utilized relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms across international and national databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, and the Google Scholar search engine. Studies were evaluated using a cross-sectional study checklist. To minimize bias, data analysis was performed independently by two researchers; any disagreements were resolved through review by a third party.
Findings: A total of 2581 articles were imported into EndNote software. Following the removal of duplicates, irrelevant articles, and those not meeting the study objectives and inclusion criteria, and after conducting a qualitative assessment, 21 articles were ultimately reviewed. Across these studies, 11715 Muslim women were evaluated; the results indicated that their knowledge regarding HPV was suboptimal, and their attitudes varied across a spectrum of positive, negative, and neutral.
Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the necessity for significant improvements in the knowledge and attitudes of Muslim women regarding HPV and its associated vaccine. A thorough understanding of the specific needs of this population—particularly concerning privacy and respect for religious beliefs—is essential for facilitating effective health service delivery. Therefore, the development and implementation of comprehensive health education programs, incorporating globally recognized instruments tailored to the culture and religion of Muslim women, is recommended to accurately assess and enhance their knowledge and attitudes.
Methods: This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, included descriptive cross-sectional studies published between 2010 and 2021. The literature search utilized relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms across international and national databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, and the Google Scholar search engine. Studies were evaluated using a cross-sectional study checklist. To minimize bias, data analysis was performed independently by two researchers; any disagreements were resolved through review by a third party.
Findings: A total of 2581 articles were imported into EndNote software. Following the removal of duplicates, irrelevant articles, and those not meeting the study objectives and inclusion criteria, and after conducting a qualitative assessment, 21 articles were ultimately reviewed. Across these studies, 11715 Muslim women were evaluated; the results indicated that their knowledge regarding HPV was suboptimal, and their attitudes varied across a spectrum of positive, negative, and neutral.
Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the necessity for significant improvements in the knowledge and attitudes of Muslim women regarding HPV and its associated vaccine. A thorough understanding of the specific needs of this population—particularly concerning privacy and respect for religious beliefs—is essential for facilitating effective health service delivery. Therefore, the development and implementation of comprehensive health education programs, incorporating globally recognized instruments tailored to the culture and religion of Muslim women, is recommended to accurately assess and enhance their knowledge and attitudes.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
education health and promotion
Received: 2025/01/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/6 | Published: 2026/10/7
Received: 2025/01/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/6 | Published: 2026/10/7
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