Knowledge about Cervical Cancer and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine among Female Students from Serbia

Abstract

Background and objectives: Persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The study explored students’ knowledge about cervical cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus and the HPV vaccine. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 1616 first-year female college students at the University of Niš. It examined socio-demographic characteristics, measured the score of knowledge about cervical cancer, assessed awareness regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine and inquired about the source of information about cervical cancer and HPV. Results: The average cervical cancer knowledge score was 16.35 ± 7.92 (min 0, max 30), with medical professional education, parents’ education level, place of residence and relationship status having significant effects on the score. The awareness about HPV and the HPV vaccine was low, with only 14.2% of students having heard about both HPV and its vaccine. The most commonly reported sources of information were the media, while the most competent one was organized health education. Conclusions: Health promotion campaigns and educational programs are necessary in order to reduce cervical cancer burden and should be directed particularly towards those who have demonstrated low cervical cancer knowledge and low awareness regarding HPV and its vaccine.

Effect of an IMB Model-Based Education on the Acceptability of HPV Vaccination Among College Girls in Mainland China: A Cluster RCT

“…Consistent with previous studies, 8 , 44 parents with higher education are more likely to understand health knowledge and provide material and psychological support for their children’s health. Additionally, in the course of HPV infection prevention education, participants with a relative or friend who suffers from cancer were prone to identify the severity and fear of the consequences of infection, and thus they were more likely to take proactive steps to protect themselves.…”

“…Secondly, the period of our study coincided with the COVID-19 epidemic, when the epidemic control in China required home isolation and traffic control measures, as well as psychological states such as anxiety and depression that students may have, would inevitably affect the target outcomes, namely, the HPV vaccination rate and vaccination intention. 32 - 46 Also, it is worth noting that self-reported HPV vaccination rates and willingness may not match the actual situation. Finally, although our study covered a representative sample of college females in 7 geographic regions, it would have been even better if we had been able to enroll more participants and add a follow-up period.…”

Students’ Knowledge about Cervical Cancer Prevention in Poland

“…Young adults’ knowledge about HPV vaccination is insufficient. Among female students from Serbia, only 14% had heard about both the relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer and the preventive role of a vaccine against HPV on cervical cancer incidence [ 55 ]. The best level of student’ knowledge was observed in Belgium and Spain (about 85%) [ 56 ].…”

“…In our study, medical students were significantly more aware of cervical cancer prevention and risk factors in comparison with non-medical students. Rančić et al [ 55 ] conducted similar research among female students in Serbia and also showed that medical students had significantly higher knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV infection compared to non-medical students. Additionally, students in a relationship and sexually active were more aware; however, we have not observed any correlation between the knowledge about cervical cancer and having sexual intercourse.…”

Panorama geral do enfrentamento ao Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) no Brasil e no Mundo: Uma revisão de literatura com foco em estratégias educativas

“…O estudo vietnamita apresentado por Minh, Taneepanichskul e Hajek (2020) demonstrou que a realização de processos educativos no contexto do HPV pode promover o aumento da intenção das mães em vacinar seus filhos. Rančić et al (2020), em estudo realizado na Sérvia, apontam que as ações educacionais em HPV devem ser focadas para indivíduos que apresentem baixo grau de conhecimento sobre a imunização e sobre o câncer do colo do útero, a fim de minimizar a incidência da neoplasia referida.…”