Human papillomavirus and its vaccination: Knowledge and attitudes among female university students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Context: College students worldwide have low levels of knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, highlighting the lack of awareness about HPV infection. To date, no study has examined the level of knowledge of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of cervical cancer and its risk factors, as well as HPV vaccine acceptance among female students in Saudi Arabia enrolled in health colleges. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by 966 female students enrolled at the University of Hail, northern region of Saudi Arabia, with a response rate of 83.5%. The main outcome measure was the identification of the knowledge gap pertaining to HPV infection and its prophylactic vaccine. Results: The findings highlighted a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap smears, and HPV vaccine among most female university students. The knowledge score positively correlated to the duration of education. Students enrolled in applied medical science and medical colleges showed significantly higher knowledge scores, as did students in their senior academic years. Vaccine uptake barriers included concerns about its side effects and a lack of information. Conclusions: Our findings can be used to formulate effective future awareness programs in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. A larger number of educational programs are required to enlighten Saudi women about cervical cancer and its prophylactic vaccine, including the benefits of screening programs and prevention strategies.

Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia

“…However, medical students from the same region had greater knowledge about the signs, as 76.6% and 81.8% of the participants were able to identify vaginal bleeding and dyspareunia as cervical cancer symptoms [22]. Nevertheless, only 54.8% and 65% of medical field students from Riyadh and Hail were able to identify vaginal bleeding as a sign [16,21]. The majority of respondents believed that family history is the main risk factor followed by sexually transmitted virus.…”

“…Data regarding awareness level were measured in university students and the general population in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Ahsa, Hail, Qassim, and the southern region [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. However, different results were obtained, suggesting that the knowledge level varies among women as a function of their occupation or region.…”

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

“…Similar results have been reported by other studies where students had low to average knowledge. [ 11 12 13 14 15 ] The majority of the participants in our study knew that HPV is a STI and can cause cervical cancer and ano-genital warts, while 143 (60%; n = 238) were unaware that HPV can also cause oropharyngeal and penile cancers. Similar poor understanding about other malignancies were noted in a study by Kamini et al .…”

Effect of Nursing Guideline about Genital Human Papilloma Virus Infection on Knowledge and attitude of Female University Students

“…Therefore nursing guideline can be applied through different nursing roles (nurse as counselor, nurse as a researcher, and nurse as caregiver/care provider & nurse as educator (9) . Therefore nursing guideline can be applied through different nursing roles (nurse as counselor, nurse as a researcher, and nurse as caregiver/care provider & nurse as educator (3) .…”