Assessment of understanding about human papilloma virus vaccination among undergraduate medical students in a developing country: Perspective from India

Abstract

Background and Aims: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection responsible for cervical cancer in women. There is no cure for HPV but safe and effective vaccinations before sexual debut can definitely decrease the incidence of cervical cancer. This research aims to explore the basic understanding of medical students about cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccination. Methods and Material: This was a descriptive, questionnaire based cross-sectional study conducted among the undergraduate medical students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur from April 2018 to May 2018. A total of 238 respondents participated in the study. For statistical analysis, 'Z' score was used for categorical data and student t test was used for normally distributed continuous data. Results: Overall, 41% students had good knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccination while 44% students had average knowledge and 15% had poor knowledge. The majority of them (>80%) knew that HPV is responsible for cervical cancer and ano-genital warts but their awareness was not of the same order when it came to associating HPV with penile and oropharyngeal cancer (60%). Females had better knowledge as compared to males and this difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). 88% of the students were willing to accept the vaccination while only 10% of females were previously vaccinated. Conclusion: Medical students, who are potential recipients of the HPV vaccine themselves, can play a unique role in promoting awareness about HPV vaccination in the future.

Cervical Cancer Campaign: Correlation Between HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Knowledge with HPV Vaccination Rate

“…Similar to other studies that show the majority of medical and health science students have great knowledge. 25,27 Even so, some studies don't align as they state that a larger part of students have lack or poor knowledge, but i t is positively associated with academic years and age. 16,24,28 Previous studies found that even though male and female students have medical education as their main source of knowledge, female students have a better understanding of HPV infection and vaccines.…”

“…16,24,28 Previous studies found that even though male and female students have medical education as their main source of knowledge, female students have a better understanding of HPV infection and vaccines. 27,29,30 Some explained that it is because females have more interest in the topic that leads to higher grades. 27 This study founds that many students have 31 Other studies also discovered that albeit medical students have better knowledge and express higher awareness, it is still considered poor and doesn't influence the vaccination rate.…”

“…27,29,30 Some explained that it is because females have more interest in the topic that leads to higher grades. 27 This study founds that many students have 31 Other studies also discovered that albeit medical students have better knowledge and express higher awareness, it is still considered poor and doesn't influence the vaccination rate. 27,28,32 This study discovered that among unvaccinated students, the difference between great and adequate knowledge students is only 1.1%…”

Cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among a cohort of female schoolteachers in Salem city – A cross-sectional survey

“…[ 9 ] Currently, epidemiological survey data provide important insight since the time of vaccine licensed in the country less than 20% of females have been vaccinated against HPV downplaying the benefits of the vaccination. [ 10 11 12 ] Furthermore suboptimal uptake of screening among Indian women. [ 13 14 ]…”