Determination of knowledge of Turkish midwifery students about human papilloma virus infection and its vaccines

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013;14(11):6775-8. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.11.6775.

Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted agents and its infection is the most established cause of cervical cancer. Midwives play a key position in the implementation of cervical cancer. This descriptive study aimed to determine the level of knowledge concerning HPV and HPV vaccination among 268 midwifery students. Data were collected between November 15 and 30, 2011, through a self-reported questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 20.75 ± 1.60. Among all students, 44.4% had heard of HPV, while 40.4% had heard of HPV vaccinatiob. The relationship between the midwifery student knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccine and their current educational year was significant (p=0.001). In conclusion midwifery students have moderate level of knowledge about HPV and its vaccine and relevant information should be included in their teaching curriculum.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Midwifery*
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / psychology
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Prognosis
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Turkey
  • Vaccination
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines