Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe two diseases, Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) which cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system. Patients with IBD are treated with drugs that suppress their immune system. These immune suppressing drugs can lead to an increased risk of infection in these patients, including human papillomavirus infections. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is believed to cause certain cancers. However, there is a vaccine to protect against HPV and in Ireland, the HPV vaccine is offered free of charge to all girls in their 1st year of secondary school. As IBD patients are at an increased risk of HPV infections, it is important they receive the vaccine. However, the knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine is often low and can affect the decision to receive the vaccine. Another factor that can affect IBD patient’s decision to receive the vaccine is their attitude towards HPV and vaccinations in general. The aim of this study is to look at the knowledge of IBD patients of HPV and the HPV vaccine and also their attitudes towards the virus and vaccine, and assess if these affect their decision to receive the vaccine.
