A Cross-sectional Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Cervical Cancer, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection and HPV Vaccine among 9th to 12th Grade School Girls in Indore

Abstract

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is most common viral infection among women between 15 to 44 age group. When administered before girls or women are exposed to the virus, HPV vaccine can prevent majority of cervical cancer occurrences. Therefore to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer,HPV infection and HPV vaccine among girls in grades 9 to 12 the current study was conducted.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between July-December 2022 in Indore governmentschools. Total 120 girls in grades 9 to 12 after receiving informed consent involved in the study. Data regarding knowledge, attitude and practice about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccination collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 25.0 (Trial version) was used for data analysis.Conclusion: Among 120 students (34.16%) and (20.83%) had heard about cervical cancer and HPV vaccinerespectively, where majority were from class 11th and 12th. The association was significant between knowledge of students and their grades (p<0.05). (3.33%) received HPV vaccine. Among unvaccinated, (68.96%) were willing to take vaccine. Hence the study found that knowledge and uptake of HPV vaccination among school girls is poor. The government needs to strengthen the various aspects of HPV education supplied in schools and HPV vaccination awareness campaigns.