Work

Knowledge and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccine among medical students (MBBS) in a tertiary care teaching hospital In South India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background According to the WHO, Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of 200 known viruses. Although they do not cause concerns in most people, infection with some high-risk types such as 16 and 18 causes cancer.Infection with milder strains are more common and tend to cause warts. Persistent HPV infection with high-risk HPV types is the cause of cervical cancer and is associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, mouth/throat, penis and anus.Prophylactic vaccination against HPV can prevent these cancers. Medical professionals, especially doctors, are the foremost educators of the public in this matter. Hence this study was designed with the intent to identify and understand the amount of knowledge and the attitude towards HPV and its vaccine amongst undergraduate medical students. Materials and methods Cross sectional questionnaire based study among medical students Results The study was conducted among 728 students belonging to 1st to 4th year MBBS. The mean total knowledge score was 7(SD = 2.712) and the mean attitude score was 4.42(SD = 2.617). The knowledge and attitude of 1st to 4th year students were compared and possible influences that contribute to knowledge were identified(p = 0.0002). Other variables such as source of information, history of recommending the vaccine, reasons for not recommending are also discussed.It is understood that knowledge improves attitude and hence practice towards HPV and its vaccines. Conclusion It is concluded that more focus should be given on improving areas of knowledge of HPV to understand and improve its attitude towards it. Introducing comprehensive educational plans and training methods will be beneficial for the long term practice and bridging the gap between partial and complete knowledge. This is crucial as these medical students are the future medical practitioners who will continue this practice until it becomes the norm. By instilling a strong foundation in preventive medicine and epidemiology, we ensure that future doctors are well-prepared to address and manage preventable diseases effectively, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes and the overall well-being of the community.

Source: Discover Education

DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-00583-7

Author: Mahitha Raghupathi

Institution: Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,390