Differences in human papilloma virus vaccination prevalence, testing, knowledge on vaccination, cancer awareness and sexual activities between male and female medical and non‐medical students

Abstract

Although most European countries experienced a decrease in cervical cancer mortality, Ukraine, Latvia and Belarus have experienced an increase in mortality. There is no national vaccination programme against human papilloma virus (HPV) in Ukraine, and vaccination rates are low. To study the knowledge of HPV-related cancers and vaccination amongst medical and non-medical students with a view to a better organization of educational interventions. Male and female students of the Bogomolets National Medical University and non-medical students of other universities from Kiev were asked to fill in an anonymous survey of HPV vaccination prevalence, testing, knowledge on vaccination, HPV-related cancer awareness and sexual activities. Medical students showed better knowledge, higher prevalence of HPV testing and later sexual debut when compared to non-medical students. Female students showed higher awareness of HPV-related cancers except oral and rectal cancers and better knowledge of vaccination. The highest vaccination rate was in female medical students (6.56%) but the difference was not significant. First- to third-year students reported the lowest knowledge of all related aspects. Despite the absence of a national HPV vaccination programme, all students should be informed that HPV vaccination is available and recommended for all young persons. They should also be informed that it is possible to buy the vaccine and that there is evidence of clear benefit of vaccination. Factors limiting vaccine uptake (other than high vaccine cost) should be addressed by educational interventions. Information campaigns for students in their 1st and 2nd years of studies are especially important.