Differences in human papilloma virus vaccination prevalence, testing, knowledge on vaccination, cancer awareness and sexual activities between male and female medical and non‐medical students

Abstract

Background Although most European countries experienced a decrease in cervical cancer mortality, Ukraine, Latvia and Belarus have experienced an increase in mortality. There is no national vaccination programme against human papilloma virus (HPV) in Ukraine, and vaccination rates are low. Objectives To study the knowledge of HPV-related cancers and vaccination amongst medical and non-medical students with a view to a better organization of educational interventions. Methods Male and female students of the Bogomolets National Medical University and non-medical students of other universities from Kiev were asked to fill in an anonymous survey of HPV vaccination prevalence, testing, knowledge on vaccination, HPV-related cancer awareness and sexual activities. Results Medical students showed better knowledge, higher prevalence of HPV testing and later sexual debut when compared to non-medical students. Female students showed higher awareness of HPV-related cancers except oral and rectal cancers and better knowledge of vaccination. The highest vaccination rate was in female medical students (6.56%) but the difference was not significant. First-to third-year students reported the lowest knowledge of all related aspects. Conclusions Despite the absence of a national HPV vaccination programme, all students should be informed that HPV vaccination is available and recommended for all young persons. They should also be informed that it is possible to buy the vaccine and that there is evidence of clear benefit of vaccination. Factors limiting vaccine uptake (other than high vaccine cost) should be addressed by educational interventions. Information campaigns for students in their 1st and 2nd years of studies are especially important.

Lack of knowledge regarding HPV and its relation to oropharyngeal cancer among medical students

“…20,21,34,35 A recent study that surveyed medical and non-medical students from Ukraine showed a poor level of knowledge regarding HPV-related oral and rectal cancers among all groups of students. 36 Another recent study that surveyed female college students from China, reported similar defect in knowledge about the ability of HPV to cause oral cancer. 37 A recent systematic review by Parsel et al illustrated the presence of the knowledge gap of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer among health-care providers.…”

“…Lack of HPV knowledge in addition to unawareness about the link of HPV with oral/oropharyngeal cancer was seen in recent survey studies with suggested interventional measures including interactive workshops for preclinical students and team‐based learning 20,21,34,35 . A recent study that surveyed medical and non‐medical students from Ukraine showed a poor level of knowledge regarding HPV‐related oral and rectal cancers among all groups of students 36 . Another recent study that surveyed female college students from China, reported similar defect in knowledge about the ability of HPV to cause oral cancer 37 …”

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

“…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%…”

“…Some studies figured there are other barriers regardless of knowledge, such as lack of information regarding the HPV vaccine, the belief that the HPV vaccine is only for sexually active females, economic barriers, and high cost of vaccine. [31][32][33] and faculty of study. 34 These can better explain the results of this study that express an increase of full dosage vaccination alongside the level of knowledge.…”

Cervical Cancer Prevention Challenges and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccinations in Ukraine and Eastern Europe

“…In a survey of Ukrainian medical and non-medical students, medical students had a greater knowledge of the vaccine and its benefits but only 6.5% of female medical students had been vaccinated [46]. In a previous study, while 81.1% of medical student were aware that HPV was the causative factor for cervical cancer, only 57.3% were aware of HPV vaccination programs [47].…”