Knowledge about human papillomavirus and the human papillomavirus vaccine in Belgian students

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine the knowledge of Belgian university students about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV–vaccination.Material and methodsDuring a period of two months we administered an online questionnaire, which contained 29 questions, to 3332 students of the Free University of Brussels. Of the 433 completed questionnaires, 346 were included by age (18–30 years) and completeness of responded questionnaires. These formed the study group.ResultsOf the 346 included questionnaires (76% female), 48% were completed by medical students. The majority (65%) knew that both genders could be infected with HPV. Ninety–five percent of all medical students were aware of the existence of HPV, while 92% knew of the possibility to be vaccinated against the virus. Ninety percent of them were aware of the causal relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer. 46% of the medical students were aware that HPV can cause anogenital cancers, and only 28% knew that HPV–vaccination could protect them against genital warts. Sixty percent of all female students were fully vaccinated against HPV, without any difference between medical and non–medical students. A very small part of all students (3%) believed that vaccination against HPV could enhance a promiscuous lifestyle.ConclusionsAlmost 80% of respondents were aware of the existence of the human papillomavirus, its morbid potential and the HPV–vaccination.

Knowledge of Medical and Dental Iranian Students about the Infection and Vaccination of Human Papilloma Virus

“…About 80% of women who are sexually active are at risk of developing and HPV infection and the peak of incidence of this disease is among young women [3,4]. Some authors have evaluated socio-economic differences and their impact on incidence of oral and oropharyngeal squamossal cell carcinoma and demonstrated that oropharyngeal carcinoma had a strong correlation with HPV [4][5][6].…”

“…were aware of vaccinations and immunity against this virus, while only 46% knew that HPV could cause anogenital cancer [6]. Chinese researchers assessing student's awareness and acceptance to receive HPV vaccine, showed that 70.8% of students were accepting vaccination, 14.3% of the people had heard about HPV and the most important source of information was public speeches.…”

Assessment on Knowledge Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Mahsa University Students

“…Although 44.6% knew that the vaccine also protects against genital warts and it was higher compared to study done among Belgian students (19.4%) [21] and Sadry research group [22], the percentage was expected to be higher since most of the respondents (92%) were from health-care-related courses. HPV vaccination is well known for protection against cervical cancer compared to genital warts and genital herpes though both are caused by certain strains of HPV [22].…”

“…Since HPV infection is transmitted directly, the onset of infection may start immediately after sexual intercourse [5]. However, a positive result was shown in studies conducted among college students in Lebanon and Belgium with higher percentages of 66% and 83%, respectively [17,21].…”

“…Thus, misinformation has led to a lower rate of cervical cancer screening among vaccinated female population compared to unvaccinated group [25,26]. It is critical as HPV vaccination together with regular Pap smear test effective in preventing mortality and morbidity brought by HPV infections [21].…”