Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>[Background and Objectives]</bold> Women with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) are more vulnerable to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-related cervical cancers, however, the HPV screening and vaccination rate was low. We conducted a real-world survey to evaluate the awareness and status of HPV vaccination in Chinese AIIRDs patients. <bold>[Methods]</bold> Female patients with AIIRDs aged ≥ 9 years were enrolled between 1 April 2024 and 31 Aug 2024. Eligible participants completed a predefined 41-item questionnaire, which was distributed via social media invitations and in-person recruitment at outpatient clinics. We evaluated the demographics, rheumatic disease history, awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, HPV testing and vaccination status and willingness to receive HPV vaccine These factors were then compared between SLE and RA patients. <bold>[Results]</bold> A total of 562 participants with a median age of 34.9 (IQR 29.7–42.6) years completed the questionnaires. The awareness rates of HPV infection and vaccination were 82.0% and 85.9%, respectively. However, only 69.2% participants recognized the increased risk of cervical cancer associated with HPV, and just 52.3% had undergone cervical cancer screening in the past 5 years. Although 72.2% expressed willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, the actual vaccination rate was only 23.0%. Among the respondents, there were 334 SLE patients and 98 RA patients. Compared to RA patients, SLE patients were younger, had higher awareness of HPV vaccination, but a lower vaccination rate. <bold>[Conclusion]</bold> Patients with AIIRDs, SLE in particular, demonstrate high awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, as well as strong willingness to receive HPV vaccine. However, cervical cancer screening and actual HPV vaccination rates remain low. </p>