Knowledge of human papillomavirus and Pap test among Brazilian university students

Abstract

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus in the world and is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. The most effective approach to cervical cancer control continues to be screening through the preventive Papanicolaou test (Pap test). This study analyzes the knowledge of university students of health science programs as well as undergraduate courses in other areas of knowledge on important questions regarding HPV. METHOD: Four hundred and seventy-three university students completed a questionnaire assessing their overall knowledge regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and the Pap test. A descriptive analysis is presented, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression identified factors associated with HPV/cervical cancer information. RESULTS: Knowledge was higher for simple HPV-related and Pap test questions but was lower for HPV interrelations with genital warts and cervical cancer. Being from the health science fields and having high income were factors associated with greater knowledge. Only the minority of the participants recognized all the situations that increased the risk of virus infection presented in the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for educational campaigns regarding HPV infection, its potential as a cervical cancer agent and the forms of prevention available.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of biomedicine students on the papanicolaou exam

“…A study carried out with 473 university students (Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Biomedicine and Biology), as well as undergraduate courses in other areas of knowledge (Chemistry, Administration, Accounting, Computer Science and Mathematics) revealed that the Most students knew what the test was, as well as its frequency, however, 30.4% were unaware of the meaning of an altered result, that is, as the questions became more complex, the level of knowledge on the subject decreased. It is important to highlight that, when comparing the knowledge of students in the health field with students from other areas, it was observed that those in health presented greater knowledge (Baptista et al 2019).…”

Assessment of Sexual Behavior and Habits of Medical and Non-Medical Students

“…One of the important reasons for this kind of behavior is that education of young people about reproductive health for now is not regulated by the system, and because of that the source of knowledge and information for young people are their peers, media as well as the internet. Research in relation to sexual behavior of students shows that students are a highrisk population for acquiring and transmitting STIs (7). Risky sexual behavior of students implies more frequent partner change, entering sexual relations under the effect of psychoactive substances, inconsistent condom use, etc.…”

Câncer de colo de útero: barreiras preventivas no século 21 / Cervical cancer: preventive barriers in the 21st century

“…No Brasil, o câncer de colo de útero é o segundo tipo de câncer ginecológico mais comum, ficando atrás apenas do câncer de mama. Sendo também, o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comum em mulheres, excluindo o câncer de pele não melanoma 1 . Apesar da alta incidência e mortalidade, se configura como um câncer com possibilidade de prevenção, e com estratégias de prevenção consolidadas nas políticas de atenção a saúde.…”

“…infectadas pelo HPV tem quadros auto limitados que regridem espontaneamente depois de 12 a 30 meses, mesmo aquelas infectadas pelos de maior oncogênicidade como o tipo 16 e 181 . Ou seja, não é apenas a infecção pelo HPV que irá levar ao desenvolvimento do câncer, serão necessários fatores concomitantes para essa evolução, em especial medidas comportamentais para diminuir a infecção sexual pelo vírus.O câncer de colo irá surgir quando houver a infecção persistente pelo vírus HPV oncogênico, associado a fatores de risco.…”