Knowledge and attitudes of Polish university students related to human papillomavirus infection and its prevention

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among Polish university students. The authors made a cross-sectional survey by means of a questionnaire, completed anonymously, to gage the knowledge of HPV infection and attitudes toward vaccination. A diverse group of 465 graduate and undergraduate university students participated in the survey. The level of knowledge of HPV infection, its prevalence, and consequences was relatively low. Most respondents were unclear about the correlation between HPV infection and cervical cancer. The survey revealed misconceptions relating to the role of men in transmitting HPV infection. Almost 60% of the students were against or doubtful about HPV vaccination. Females and graduate students generally presented a higher awareness. Polish university students do not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about HPV infections and its health consequences. Health education programs about the causes of cervical cancer are necessary.

Keywords::

• human papillomavirus infection
• knowledge
• university students
• prevention