Fatemeh Najafi-Sharjabad, Mohammad Rayani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV is an effective strategy against cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention and its relationship with knowledge and attitude about HPV vaccination among students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 360 female students at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Students were recruited using proportional stratified random sampling method. Data was gathered using a questionnaire about knowledge, attitude and effective factors of HPV vaccine acceptance. Descriptive analysis, chi-square, independent sample t-test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data in SPSS-16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The significance level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: 56.4% of students had poor knowledge while 54.1% were willing to accept HPV vaccination as well as 43% who had positive attitude towards HPV vaccination. Paramedical students were 96% more likely to accept the HPV vaccination compared to health sciences faculty students (OR= 1.96; 95% CI= 1.04-3.68; p=0.036). Also, for each unit increase in the HPV knowledge score, students were 15% more likely to accept the vaccine (OR= 1.15; 95% CI= 1.07-1.24; p <0.001). Moreover, for each unit increase in attitude score, students were 16% more likely willing to accept HPV vaccine (OR= 1.16; 95% CI=1.08 -1.28; p =0.002).
Conclusions: It is necessary to implement on HPV vaccination for students. Inclusion of HPV vaccine in the National Program on Immunization would also be an effective strategy for improving HPV vaccination.
Abdolhussein Shakurnia, Ata Ghadiri, Maedeh Hamidi, Niloofar Jelodar,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important causes of cervical cancer. It is essential to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of people about HPV infection in the community, especially among midwifery students who will act as health professionals in the society. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of midwifery students toward HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on midwifery students at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz (Iran) in 2019. 141 midwifery students were recruited through census. The knowledge and attitude of 112 eligible midwifery students toward HPV infection were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. Data were analyzed in SPSS16 using the chi-square test and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient at statistical significance of 0.05.
Results: Mean age of midwifery students was 21.6±2.4 years. Of 112 students, only 38 (33%) had desirable knowledge about HPV infection. The majority of students (77.7%) had a positive attitude towards HPV infection. The knowledge and attitude of midwifery students in different academic years did not differ significantly (P>0.05).
Conclusion: There is insufficient knowledge about HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention among midwifery students at the Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate HPV-related educational programs in order to increase students' awareness.
