1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khalil J, Boutros S, Hassoun A, Hallit S, Barakat H. Human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and conspiracy beliefs among secondary school students in Lebanon. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:363. [PMID: 37454098 PMCID: PMC10349416 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04177-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is widely prevalent across the globe. In Lebanon, the society is transitioning from traditional conservatism to a more open attitude. Although previous studies have examined the knowledge of adults in Lebanon with regard to HPV and its vaccine, there is a lack of research on secondary school students. Moreover, HPV is considered a worldwide public health matter that needs to be addressed. Therefore, the objective of our study is to assess factors associated with knowledge and conspiracy beliefs towards HPV vaccine among a sample of Lebanese adolescents. METHODS Between December 2022 and February 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Lebanese adolescents aged 15 to 18 years old. Parental approval was needed in order to participate. We used a questionnaire to collect data, which included the HPV-knowledge questionnaire (HPV-KQ) and the Vaccine Conspiracy Belief Scale (VCBS). RESULTS Of the 406 participants who filled the survey, 64.8% were female, with a mean age of 16.62 ± 1.01. Results showed that 31.0% of students had high knowledge about HPV, while 27.6% had high conspiracy beliefs, and 48% of participants relied on the internet to access information on HPV. Students who had previously heard of HPV, received sexual education at school or outside, and had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of HPV. Additionally, students with high knowledge had a lower mean House Crowding Index, and those whose fathers had a university education had lower conspiracy beliefs. Females had a higher vaccination rate than males, while no significant difference was found between those who had engaged in sexual activity and those who had not. The multivariate analysis indicated that previous awareness of HPV and receiving sexual education outside school were significantly associated with higher knowledge. CONCLUSION Our study brings to light the urgent need for action to increase HPV awareness and vaccination among Lebanese secondary school students. The prevalence of vaccine misconceptions and conspiracy beliefs and the limited knowledge of HPV underscore the importance of more comprehensive sexual education in schools and the dissemination of accurate information about HPV and its vaccine. Furthermore, given the low vaccination rate among males, efforts should be made to promote HPV vaccination among this population. Addressing these issues can improve public health and help prevent the spread of HPV and its related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Khalil
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Boutros
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Abdo Hassoun
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Habib Barakat
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Notre Dame, Secours University Hospital Center, Street 93, 3 Byblos, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdelaliem SMF, Kuaia AM, Hadadi AA, Alhujayri AK, Al Anazi AA, Hajar AA, AlShareda RS, Amri SM. Knowledge and Attitudes toward Human Papillomavirus and Vaccination: A Survey among Nursing Students in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1766. [PMID: 37372889 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121766] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most prevalent conditions affecting the vaginal organs is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge and attitudes have been the subject of numerous studies in Saudi Arabia. However, there are only a few studies that have examined university students' attitudes and knowledge of the human papillomavirus and the vaccine that is associated with it. AIM To predict the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV and its related vaccine among undergraduate nursing students. METHODOLOGY This was descriptive cross-sectional research. After being selected from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University's College of Nursing, 307 nursing students agreed to take part and completed an online survey that was self-administered. RESULTS The majority of the participants (73.5%) had a low level of knowledge of HPV with a mean score of 2.77 ± 1.78. In addition, more than half of the participating nursing students (57%) had a moderate attitude toward HPV vaccination with a mean score of 51.18 ± 11.16. The study results also verified that there was a highly significant correlation between the nursing students' demographics and their knowledge and attitudes toward HPV (p < 0.001). According to the SEM, nursing students' knowledge regarding HPV accounted for 48% of the variance in students' attitudes. CONCLUSION Nursing students' knowledge regarding HPV vaccination is an important predictor of students' attitudes regarding HPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem
- Nursing Management and Education Department, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt
| | - Abeer Mohammed Kuaia
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Ahmed Hadadi
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhanouf Khalid Alhujayri
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Awad Al Anazi
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areen Abdulelah Hajar
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruba Shayaa AlShareda
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleha Mohammed Amri
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Białynicki-Birula R, Nowicka D, Szepietowski JC. Is Face and Mask Touching a Real Struggle During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Prospective Study Among Medical Students. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:663873. [PMID: 34395466 PMCID: PMC8358140 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.663873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data in the literature on the frequency of face- and mask-touching behavior as a potential vector for the self-inoculation and transmission of the novel coronavirus. In this prospective study, we assessed the facial touching behavior of 204 medical students. One hundred thirty-four subjects (65.68%) during the 15-min observation at least once touched the area of the mask (38.23%), eyes (38.23%), or other parts of the facial zone (49.02%). The mean number of touches was 11.98 ± 16.33 per hour. The results of our study reveal that there is no significant association between mask wearing and gender; however, there might be a tendency for people with eyeglasses to touch the area near the eyes more often.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra A Stefaniak
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr K Krajewski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Białynicki-Birula
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Nowicka
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek C Szepietowski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Do University Students Adhere to WHO Guidelines on Proper Use of Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic?—Analysis and Comparison of Medical and Non-Medical Students. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11104536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Covering the mouth and nose has become the common standard for protection from human-to-human virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate whether students at universities (medical and non-medical students) do adhere to WHO recommendations on the proper use of face protection. The study was based on the survey created with Google® Forms regarding data on demographics and self-reported skin conditions. The main questions addressed the WHO guideline on the correct use of face masks. Responses were obtained from 1173 students. Compliance with all WHO criteria among the whole group of respondents was very low at less than 1% with no significant difference between medical and non-medical students. Covering of the nose and mouth with the face mask was the criterion most commonly complied with (81.2%); contact avoidance of touching the mask with hands appeared to be the most difficult criterion to comply with (2.8%). Medical students were significantly more compliant with three out of seven criteria. In general, compliance with the WHO guidelines on the proper use of face masks was dramatically low among all the students. Education campaigns should be introduced to increase the awareness of the correct use of face coverings during the viral pandemic.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pu J, He M, Pu Y, Liu Z, Le L, Wang H, Du X. Knowledge about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Prevention among Intern Nurses. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2020; 8:46-50. [PMID: 33426189 PMCID: PMC7785080 DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon_45_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Intern nurses will play an important role in the use of vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. This study assesses the knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer prevention among intern nurses. Methods: We developed a questionnaire to investigate intern nurses' knowledge about HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention. Participants included 323 intern nurses from eight schools. Results: The effective response rate was 79.8%. Some (7.0%) knew that early-stage cervical cancer is commonly asymptomatic. Only 9.7% knew that infection is generally asymptomatic and 20.5% knew that vaccination has no major side effects. There were differences in gender, age, school type, and place of residence for several questions. Conclusions: This study indicates a low level of knowledge about HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention among intern nurses. Our findings highlight the need for more education in this topic to increase the knowledge of intern nurses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mei He
- Department of Nursing, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yaling Pu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongli Liu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Le
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Nursing, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaobo Du
- Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|