Awareness and attitude about carcinoma cervix and human papillomavirus vaccine: A cross-sectional study among undergraduate female medical students

Abstract

Background: Cancer cervix is the leading type of cancer in India. One woman die of cervical cancer in every 8 min in India. The primary cause of developing cervical cancer is chronic infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Vaccination against HPV is the primary mode of prevention from cancer cervix. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the awareness and attitude of young medical students about cancer cervix, its cause and HPV vaccine. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done among 2nd year to final year female medical students of M.K.C.G Medical College and Hospital for a period of 2 months. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured, and pre-tested questionnaire. The study explored knowledge on HPV infection and cervical cancer, as well as awareness regarding the vaccine and their willingness to take the vaccine. Results: In the present study student’s awareness about etiology of cancer cervix was 100%. About 98.6% of students knew about the high-risk strains of HPVs causing cancer. The awareness about preventable nature of cancer cervix among study participants was 93.8% and 92.5% students knew that the vaccine is available in India. About 87% of students wanted to be immunized with HPV vaccine. Conclusion: There is not enough knowledge about cancer cervix and HPV vaccine among medical students. Information regarding cancer cervix and HPV vaccine should be included early in the medical education curriculum. Group discussions and forums should be conducted to fill the knowledge gap.