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Şenocak Taşçi E, Baş D, Kayak S, Anik S, Erözcan A, Sönmez Ö. Assessment of health literacy and HPV knowledge among university students: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39495. [PMID: 39213230 PMCID: PMC11365685 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) level is related to promotion of health, improved health behaviors, and early diagnosis of diseases, as well as the appropriate use of health services. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is the primary method of protection against cervical cancer and recommended for women aged 9 to 27. This study aims to assess the university students' knowledge about HPV and the association between HL and HPV vaccination. In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, an electronic survey was used. Demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of the participants were questioned. HPV Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS) and Turkish Health Literacy Scale (THLS-32) were used to evaluate HPV knowledge and HL. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS version 26. A total of 361 university students (74% women), aged 21.98 ± 4.72 years, were included in the study. About 52% of the participants were health sciences students. The total THLS-32 score was 34.68 ± 9.37 (95% CI = 33.71-35.65), and the total adequate/excellent HL level was 51%. The mean HPV-KS score of the participants was 10.28 ± 8.15 (95% CI = 9.44-11.12) of a possible 35. Health sciences students had higher rates of HPV awareness (78% vs 65%; P = .007). General HPV knowledge level was significantly better among women (P < .001), >20 years (P = .002), and those with a family history of cancer (P < .001) and significantly lower among students at prep or first year of school (P < .001). There was a weak, positive relation between THLS-32 and HPV-KS score (R = 0.136; P = .01). Participants with higher levels of HPV knowledge (P = .034) and total HPV-KS score (P = .025) were statistically significantly higher in students with adequate/excellent HL. Our results reveal that knowledge about HPV vaccination is closely related to HL levels. Educational interventions on HL may be considered to increase HPV vaccination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Şenocak Taşçi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilşat Baş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Galata University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Simge Kayak
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Galata University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Anik
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Galata University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aleyna Erözcan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Galata University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Sönmez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Acibadem MAA University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Alsulami FT. Exploring the Impact of Knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus and Its Vaccine on Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Adults in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1451. [PMID: 39057593 PMCID: PMC11276567 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12141451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate knowledge about HPV and its vaccine, additionally, to examine the effect of knowledge about HPV and its vaccine on perceived benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination among individuals in the western region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional design was employed in the western region of Saudi Arabia through a self-administered web-based survey. The survey assessed knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. RESULTS A total of 1149 eligible participants completed the survey. Participants exhibited limited knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, with an average total score of 4.76 out of 15. Over 80% of participants were unaware that HPV may not show symptoms, cannot lead to HIV, and is not treatable with antibiotics. Over half were unaware that HPV can cause cervical cancer, oral cancer, or genital warts. Unmarried and graduate-educated participants demonstrated greater knowledge. Perceived benefits were positively associated with knowledge levels, while perceived barriers were negatively associated with knowledge levels after controlling for other variables. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need for education and healthcare efforts to raise knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Also, this study indicated that enhanced knowledge boosts positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination, while reducing perceived barriers, thereby increasing vaccination rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad T Alsulami
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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Varer Akpinar C, Alanya Tosun S. Knowledge and perceptions regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among university students in a north-eastern city in Turkey. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:299. [PMID: 37280608 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a HPV vaccination program to be successful, it is important that the target population has sufficient knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate HPV-related knowledge levels among students at a university in northern Turkey, to assess vaccination willingness, and to determine factors associated with HPV-related knowledge. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 824 (93.1%) students studying at 16 different faculties. The study population was identified through the proportional stratified sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and the HPV Knowledge Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors that may be associated with knowledge scores. RESULTS 43.6% of the students had never heard of HPV, 50.6% of them had never heard of HPV screening tests or HPV vaccination. Only 2.7% of the students were vaccinated against HPV and 15.7% were willing to receive HPV vaccination. Awareness of HPV and willingness to receive vaccination were found to be higher among women, while previous experience with sexual intercourse was higher in men (p < 0.05). The mean HPV knowledge score was quite low (6.74 ± 7.13 out of 29 points). The studying in a field related to health sciences, being a senior student, intending to be vaccinated, being a woman, having had sex were found to be associated with high knowledge levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Educational programmes should be developed to increase university students' knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Varer Akpinar
- Department of Public Health, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Sebnem Alanya Tosun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Turkey
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Zamanzadeh V, Ghahramanian A, Valizadeh L, Bagheriyeh F. Iranian nursing applicants' perception of the nursing profession: A qualitative study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:3728-3736. [PMID: 36710375 PMCID: PMC10170891 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study was conducted to describe the perceptions of nursing applicants about their chosen profession and to explore the factors which influenced their understanding. DESIGN A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design. METHODS Participants were 19 nursing applicants enrolling in nursing schools in three provinces of western Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The content analysis of the interviews was done according to the steps proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 20 years (SD = 2.5), and 11 of them (57.9%) were females. Participants understood the nature of nursing work to encompass only a limited level of independence; they viewed it as a feminine profession, and as a job with spiritual rewards. The perceived content of nursing work included providing help and patient care in the hospital with a focus on performing procedural tasks. Applicants' perceptions of nurses' characteristics included strong physical endurance, communication skills, emotional strength and low intellectual skills. The professional status of nursing was perceived simultaneously as having high job security but limited potential for career advancement and professional growth. The factors reported to influence applicants' perceptions were related to the media, academic-career counsellors, personal factors, and family and friends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Zamanzadeh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Ghahramanian
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Valizadeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Bagheriyeh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jo S, Han SY, Walters CA. Factors Associated with the HPV Vaccination among Korean Americans and Koreans: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:51. [PMID: 35010311 PMCID: PMC8744621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Koreans and Korean Americans (KAs) have limited HPV knowledge and awareness. KAs share a culture with Koreans, and this culture has affected their behavior around HPV. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the factors associated with HPV vaccination among Koreans and KAs. The literature search was done with four databases. The vaccination rate, awareness and knowledge of HPV, and factors associated with vaccination intention were identified. Eighteen articles were selected. Koreans and KAs had low levels of HPV knowledge and awareness. Perceived benefits and seriousness were associated with vaccination intention. Cervical cancer history, beliefs that their daughters need a pap smear test, sexual intercourse experiences, occupation, low education, and income were associated with vaccination intention. This systematic review discovered that HPV vaccination behavior is associated with HPV vaccine awareness, perceived benefits of the vaccine, and the perceived seriousness of HPV infection among Koreans and KAs. Based on the results, we suggest healthcare providers provide a HPV vaccine recommendation by emphasizing the benefits of the vaccination to Koreans and KAs. This study can be the basis for developing interventions to increase HPV vaccination by guiding the target population and variables, as well as the intervention content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojung Jo
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85123, USA;
| | - Soo-Yeon Han
- College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Connor A. Walters
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
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Torabizadeh C, Nick N, Vizeshfar F, Jamalimoghadam N, Bagheri S. Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention to Increase Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Attitude in Staff and Nursing Students. J Community Health Nurs 2020; 37:214-221. [PMID: 33150811 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2020.1809857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of education about human papilloma virus and its vaccine on awareness and attitude of healthcare workers and nursing students. DESIGN This was a quasi-experimental study. METHODS The sample size was 250 (155 healthcare workers and 95 students), and both groups received educational intervention. Questionnaires were used to collect data before, after, and also 3 months following the intervention. FINDINGS The mean age of participants was 30.1 ± 10.23 years. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge (P < .001), overall attitude (P = .000), and perceived behavior (P < .001) of the participants after the educational intervention. CONCLUSION Educational intervention was effective in knowledge, attitude, and behavior of students and healthcare workers. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Educational intervention can be one of the strategies to prevent individuals from acquiring the virus and to increase vaccine compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camellia Torabizadeh
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narjes Nick
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Vizeshfar
- Nursing Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Neda Jamalimoghadam
- Nursing Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahpar Bagheri
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
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Bayramoğlu Tepe N, Ozcorekci O. Knowledge about the human papillomavirus among high school and university students a comprehensive questionnaire study from Southeast Turkey. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:907-916. [PMID: 32189443 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the level of knowledge among high school and university students about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccine. METHODS Our study included 3039 Grade 9-12 students from 12 high schools and university students enrolled in medical and non-medical departments. The students completed a 30-item questionnaire, which included three demographic items (sex, age and grade) and measured knowledge regarding HPV, HPV vaccine, smear test and cervical cancer. Students responded by selecting one of the choices "true/false/I don't know." RESULTS One thousand seven hundred and forty eight high school students (57.5%) and 1291 university students (42.5%) completed the questionnaire. One thousand three hundred and fourty one students were male (44.1%) and 1698 were female (55.9%). Mean age was 18.8 (min: 14 max: 33). The university group had significantly more correct responses (P = 0.001). The high school group had significantly more unknown responses (P = 0.001). In both groups, female and male students had comparable correct responses (High school; female: 25.28%, male: 24.45%, P = 0.42; University; female: 62.46%, male: 63.09%, P = 0.35). While medical students had more correct responses than both nursing students and students from non-medical university departments, nursing students had more correct responses than students from the non-medical university departments (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Knowledge about HPV is limited in adolescence, which marks the beginning of sexual activity. Educational programs targeted at adolescents are needed to negate the increasing rate of HPV-related gynecological cancers in our population. The HPV vaccine should urgently be introduced to the routine immunization schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onur Ozcorekci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Kim HW, Lee YJ, Lee DB, Lee EJ. Effects of cervical cancer prevention education in middle-school girls in Korea: A mixed-method study. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01826. [PMID: 31194102 PMCID: PMC6551384 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cervical cancer prevention education (CCPE) among Korean middle-school girls in terms of whether it provided them with a positive perception of the Papanicolaou test (Pap test) and encouraged them to undergo Pap testing in adulthood. METHODS A mixed-method design was used to only one group of 15 people, which combined a one-group pretest-posttest design with a qualitative study and a focus group interview (FGI). The CCPE was provided to 15 girls, after which they participated in the FGI. The changes between pretest and posttest were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The findings of the FGI were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS After being provided CCPE, the girls showed a significant increase in their awareness of the importance of cervical cancer prevention (Z = -3.10, p = 0.002), but there were no significant changes in the perceived importance of their body, their emotional response to the Pap test, their confidence in cervical cancer prevention, or their intention to undergo Pap testing. In the FGI, the girls expressed negative emotions about the Pap test and were aware of the necessity of CCPE. CONCLUSION This is the first study to develop CCPE focused on the Pap test targeting Korean middle-school girls. We found that the CCPE was partially effective, in terms of increasing their awareness of the importance of cervical cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Won Kim
- College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, 103 Daehakro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Young Jin Lee
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Da Bit Lee
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
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Cinar İO, Ozkan S, Aslan GK, Alatas E. Knowledge and Behavior of University Students toward Human Papillomavirus and Vaccination. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2019; 6:300-307. [PMID: 31259227 PMCID: PMC6518985 DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon_10_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of university students toward HPV infection and vaccine prevention in Turkey. Methods: A total of 1563 female and male university students participated in the study. The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional. The study included students enrolled in the departments of faculties and vocational schools. Results: In total, 16.8% of students stated that they had heard of HPV. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mean awareness of HPV and different variables, such as age, gender, marital status, family history of cancer, and conversation about sexual matters (P < 0.01). As the age of the students increased, the chance of hearing about HPV also increased. Of all the students, 1.5% took HPV vaccination. Furthermore, 87.7% of the female students stated that they had heard of cervical cancer. Conclusions: The depth of knowledge among Turkish university students toward cervical cancer, HPV infection, and vaccination was inadequate. It is important to provide educational and counseling services by nurses to make university students aware of HPV infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlgun Ozen Cinar
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Ozkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Gulbahar Korkmaz Aslan
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Erkan Alatas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Campus, Denizli, Turkey
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Khan TM, Buksh MA, Rehman IU, Saleem A. Knowledge, attitudes, and perception towards human papillomavirus among university students in Pakistan. PAPILLOMAVIRUS RESEARCH 2016; 2:122-127. [PMID: 29074171 PMCID: PMC5886891 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study comprises a questionnaire-based survey regarding knowledge about human papillomavirus and its vaccine among students in different educational fields at public and private universities in the city of Lahore in Pakistan. A 26-item questionnaire was used to attain the objective of this study. The reliability of this tool was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (0.79) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.827. The response rate to the survey was 78.0%, of whom the majority (74.9%) were females and 308 (79%) were single (median age=23 years). While assessing the respondents' knowledge about HPV, 223(57%) students reported that they had already heard of HPV (human papillomavirus) and nearly 215 (55%) reported that HPV causes cervical cancer and can infect both men and women. Gender and field of study were two main factors found influencing the respondents' knowledge about HPV. Moreover, students' understanding about the mode of transmission of HPV was cursory: 40.51% said they did not know how HPV is transmitted, 133 (34.10%) stated that HPV spreads through the exchange of bodily fluids, and 22 (5.64%) selected cough/sneezing. In terms of prevention, 175 (44.87%) students stated that HPV can be prevented by vaccination, 30.0% reported sexual abstinence, 21.54% using condoms, and nearly 5.38% disclosed use of antibiotics. Addressing the knowledge of students regarding HPV vaccine, nearly 53% stated there is no vaccine against HPV and almost 64% rejected the statement that HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer. In addition, students reported that they will be more than willing to get vaccinated for HPV if their physician recommend them (RII=0.74) followed by parents (RII=0.69). The results of this study revealed a poor understanding among respondents about the health problems associated with HPV, its prevention, modes of transmission and arability of HPV vaccine in Pakistan. University students in Lahore, Pakistan have poor understanding of health problems associated with HPV. Students lack of awareness about the availability of the HPV vaccine and modes of transmission of HPV indicate an immediate need for a national HPV awareness campaign. Moreover, regardless of the field of education and gender, students understanding about preventing HPV and chances of reoccurrence after vaccination was poor. Recommendations from a friends, parents or physician were found to be influence the students decision to get vaccinated for HPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Mehmood Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46700 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Malik Allah Buksh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inayat Ur Rehman
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46700 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahsan Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
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Kim HW. Awareness of human papillomavirus and factors associated with intention to obtain HPV vaccination among Korean youth: quasi experimental study. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2015; 15:4. [PMID: 25889565 PMCID: PMC4339239 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-015-0042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the awareness among fifth-grade girls and boys of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), and to determine the factors associated with intention to obtain the HPV vaccination. METHODS A quasi experimental design was employed with Korean fifth-grade students as the subjects for this study (n=117). Prior to providing HPV education, the awareness and health beliefs regarding STDs and cancer prevention were assessed according to gender. After 2 hours of HPV education, gender comparisons were made with respect to the awareness and health beliefs, HPV knowledge, and intention to obtain the HPV vaccination, and the factors associated with that intention. RESULTS Prior to the 2hours education session, only two boys knew that HPV is a virus. There were significant gender differences with respect to responses to the statements "STD is preventable" (χ(2)=8.76, p=0.013) and "cancer is preventable" (χ(2)=6.37, p=0.041), and concerns about the pain associated with vaccine injection (z=-2.44, p=0.015). After HPV education, there were no significant gender differences in HPV knowledge and intention to obtain the HPV vaccination. Awareness that "HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer" was significantly related to intention to obtain the HPV vaccine among both boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS Increased HPV knowledge could positively influence the intention to obtain the HPV vaccination among youth. Thus, HPV education at elementary school would be helpful to make students aware of HPV and the importance of HPV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Won Kim
- The Research Institute of Nursing Science, College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Taehakro 103, Jongro-Gu, Seoul, South Korea, 110-799.
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