KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS HPV INFECTION AND RELATED FACTORS AMONG MALE STUDENTS AT THE FACULTY OF NURSING, CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY IN 2023

Abstract

Background: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been recognized as a major and common sexually transmitted infection associated with various types of cancer in both men and women. More than 200 genotypes of HPVs were identified, each exhibiting distinct specificity for tissues and infection. In addition, the rate of HPV infection has gradually increased in both males and females. According to research conducted in Vietnam and around the world, men diagnosed with HPV infection may experience various complications, including those affecting the coronal sulcus, semen, as well as the scrotal, perianal, and anal regions. However, there is still limited research on HPV knowledge, especially among male students. In particular, there have been few studies conducted among male healthcare students in Vietnam. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of HP and to identify relevant factors influencing HPV knowledge among male students at the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Technology, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 174 male students of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Technology from July to September 2023 using convenience sampling methods. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire established by Susan Mary Sherman in English n and Tran Luong Xuan Phuoc in Vietnamese was used in this study to investigate the demographic information, and knowledge toward HPV. Results: Overall, 174 surveys were completed, representing a response rate of 94.57%. Among male students, 68.39% demonstrated a "good knowledge" of HPV. Academic year was identified as the main factor influencing HPV knowledge, with a significantly higher proportion of fourth-year male students exhibiting greater knowledge compared to other academic levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: While the majority of male students demonstrated a high level of knowledge about HPV, there is still a need for strengthening health education and policies related to HPV knowledge.