To evaluate the awareness about human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer amongst the medical students: A KAP study

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in humans, the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries like India. An observational, cross sectional, questionnaire based study conducted in Grant Govt. Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospital among 500 medical students of either sex who were either in II year or passed II year of their curriculum. 500 students participated in the study. 480 (96%) were aware of the causative agent of cervical cancer. 346(69.4%) participants were aware regarding the availability of vaccine against cervical cancer. 281(56.2%) of participants were aware that HPV Vaccine is available in India. Overall awareness regarding target population for HPV Vaccination was 138(27.6%). 319 (63.8%) participants knew by which route HPV Vaccine is administered and 187(37.4%) knew when is the vaccine most effective. Unfortunately only 30 (6%) participants were vaccinated. Most common source of information for our study population was electronic media 269(53.4%) such as internet. 398 (79.6%) participants thought most important problem is inadequate information. Only 176 (35.8%) participants thought HPV vaccine is needed for men also and 377(75.4%) participants believed that it is necessary to screen the vaccinated person also. Overall only 67.8% participants showed their acceptance for HPV vaccine. Majority of the participants were lacking knowledge about HPV vaccine in all aspects. Participants have reluctant attitude before onset of this study for this important topic & rarely do they practice it.