Human papillomavirus (HPV) – assessing the level of knowledge, sexual behaviours, awareness, attitude, and vaccination status among dentistry students

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in men, as well as anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers in both genders. It has been proven that the HPV vaccination, preferably before initiation of sexual life, is highly effective in preventing these cancers. Aim: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and attitudes of dentistry students at Poznan University of Medical Science about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. Material and methods:The self-designed survey contained 32 questions regarding basic demographic data, sexual behaviour data, attitude to vaccines, and knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. The analysed group consisted of 270 students (213 females and 57 males). Results: Among the respondents, 166 (61.48%) were younger dentistry students (1-3 years of study) and 104 (38.52%) were older dentistry students (4-5 years of study). Older students had a significantly higher level of knowledge than younger students (p < 0.0001). Students after sexual intercourse had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students before first sexual intercourse (p < 0.0001). Students with a constant sexual partner (64.07%) had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students without a constant sexual partner (p < 0.0001). Only 30% (n = 81) of students had been vaccinated against HPV (35.21% of females and 10.53% of males; p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The results demonstrate that awareness and knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccines, and cancers associated with HPV depends, among other things, on the year of study and sexual activity. It is essential to increase the knowledge and awareness of health risks regarding HPV infection from the beginning of studies because dentistry students and dentists should better educate the population about the risks associated with HPV infection.