(439) The Impact of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) on Women's Sexuality: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Introduction Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally, being causally linked to 99.7% of cervical cancer cases and associated with significant physical, emotional, relational and sexual consequences for women. Beyond its biomedical impact, HPV is strongly associated with stigma, anxiety, shame and fears of rejection, which can negatively affect sexual well-being and intimate relationships. Despite this, sexual health support is rarely integrated into HPV-related clinical care, and women report unmet needs in communication, counselling and psychosexual guidance. Furthermore, there is a lack of structured interventions that address the biopsychosocial impact of HPV on women’s sexuality. Objective The general objective of this study is to identify the sexual health care needs of women with HPV and to develop and evaluate the acceptability of a psychoeducational programme. Specifically, it aims to map existing studies on the influence of HPV on women’s sexuality, to identify the sexual health needs of women with HPV, and to evaluate the acceptability and usability of a psychoeducational sexual health programme designed for this population. Methods The research follows a mixed sequential design with three interlinked studies. Study 1 is a scoping review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020, which maps current evidence on how HPV affects sexual functioning, satisfaction and emotional well-being. Study 2 is qualitative and uses focus groups with women diagnosed with HPV and health professionals to explore lived experiences, barriers in clinical care and expectations regarding sexual health support. Study 3 consists of a pilot evaluation of an online psychoeducational programme based on previous findings. Fifteen to twenty women will test the programme over five weeks, and its acceptability and usability will be assessed using questionnaires and interviews. Results This ongoing project is expected to have scientific, clinical and social impact. It aims to improve sexual health care for women living with HPV through an innovative psychoeducational programme designed to meet their unmet needs, promoting sexual well-being, relationship satisfaction and quality of life. It also supports clinical practice by providing a practical guidance tool to help health professionals address sexuality sensitively and confidently, reducing stigma and silence around HPV. Scientifically, the project will produce new evidence on the biopsychosocial impact of HPV on female sexuality, with potential for replication in other contexts and for advancing person-centred sexual health care biopsychosocial impact of HPV on female sexuality, with potential for replication in other contexts and for advancing person-centred sexual health care. Conclusions Gaps remain in both research and clinical practice regarding the integrated approach to sexuality in women with HPV. The development of a psychoeducational programme may represent an innovative, accessible and evidence-based response capable of promoting sexual well-being, relationship satisfaction and quality of life. This project has the potential to support not only women diagnosed with HPV but also healthcare professionals through the creation of practical tools and guidance materials. By integrating the biopsychosocial model, this research will contribute to a more holistic, differentiated and user-centred clinical approach, aligned with international recommendations in sexual health. Disclosure No