Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Medical School Students about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) And HPV Vaccine

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to measure the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV vaccine and to detect the HPV vaccination status of medical school students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on students in a medical school. A sociodemographic data form and HPV Knowledge Scale were used in the study. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance, with a 95% CI. Results: Of the 518 students who participated in the study, 57.9% were female, and 61.6% were preclinical students. Rates of smoking (p=0.018) and alcohol consumption (p=0.001) and sexual activity status (p<0.001) were significantly higher in male than in female students. Only 2.3% of participants reported having received the HPV vaccination. Age (p<0.001), gender (p=0.017), and nationality (p=0.045) were found to have a significant effect on student receipt of HPV vaccine. HPV knowledge level was higher among those who were female (p=0.004), studied in a clinical class (p<0.001), were sexually active (p<0.001), could easily talk about sexuality in the family (p=0.027), and had obtained their knowledge from medical school (p<0.001) and medical professionals outside of school (p<0.001). Conclusion: The HPV knowledge level of medical students was moderate compared to the literature. Increasing the knowledge level of medical students is crucial as they can influence other peers through peer education. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve the knowledge level and vaccination rate in medical schools, both in the curriculum and in extracurricular activities.