The need for continuing education for midwives in the prevention of HPV-associated diseases

Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(4), 34-37.

E. Petkova

Department of Midwifery Care, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University – Pleven

Abstract. Introduction: To prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and reduce associated diseases, properly structured and implemented prevention measures are necessary. Prevention is related to all the measures and methods used to prevent or reduce the occurrence of a given disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the need for continuing education among midwives working in hospital and outpatient obstetric-gynecological care facilities in the city of Pleven, regarding the prevention of HPV-associated diseases. Materials and Methods: Between February 2020 and May 2022, a study was conducted among 50 midwives employed in both the inpatient and outpatient obstetric-gynecological healthcare facilities in the city of Pleven. A survey method was employed using direct individual questionnaires. Data processing was performed using the MS Office Excel 2019 software package and SPSS v.29. Results: Among the participants in the study, 90.0% expressed interest in continuing education courses. Of those interested, 54.8% stated a need for training covering all levels of preventive care, while 4.8% limited their preference to secondary prevention only. Conclusion: The findings confirm a clear demand for continuing professional education among midwives providing both inpatient and outpatient obstetric-gynecological care in the city of Pleven.

Key words: HPV-associated diseases, midwife, prevention

Address for correspondence: Elitsa Petkova, e-mail: elitca.stoianova@mu-pleven.bg