Knowledge concerning HPV among adolescent undergraduate nursing students

Abstract

The objectives of this descriptive and quantitative study were to identify and assess the level of knowledge of undergraduate nursing students concerning factors related to the sexually transmitted disease, Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A questionnaire was administered to 58 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirão Preto, College of Nursing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics through the Epi Info software. Results revealed that 46.6% of the participants are sexually active; 96.3% reported safe sex with the use of condoms, though 29.6% of them do not use one regularly. Regarding the forms of transmission, 69% reported knowing them, while only 20.7% reported knowledge of HPV's signs and symptoms. Additionally, 54.3% of the adolescents reported not knowing what HPV can cause. Greater investment in health education directed to young individuals is required to promote health and prevent diseases, particularly those caused by the Human Papillomavirus.