Awareness of and attitudes to human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among students of Nursing at Warsaw Medical University

Joanna Gotlib
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Anita Szykuła
Zakład Dydaktyki i Efektów Kształcenia Wydziału Nauki o Zdrowiu, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska
Z Wydziału Nauk o Zdrowiu, kierunek pielęgniarstwo Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny

Abstract

Introduction and aim of study: Cancer of the uterine cervix is the first neoplasm whose necessary causative factor (chronic infection with highly oncogenic types of the human papilloma virus HPV) has been identified. Type 16 and 18 HPV infection is detected in approximately 70% of cases of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the level of Nursing students’ awareness of and attitudes to HPV vaccination.

Material and methods: A group of 200 students of Nursing at Warsaw Medical University (97% F, 3% M, mean age 23.1 years: min. 20, max. 26, SD: 1.03) completed a questionnaire designed by the author containing 37 single-choice closed questions with 5 distractors each. The survey was anonymous and participation was voluntary. Consent of the relevant ethical review board was not necessary.

Results: 97% of the students knew what the abbreviation HPV stands for, and 72% were aware when anti-HPV vaccination is necessary. 82% had not been informed by their doctor about the possibility of vaccination. 66% declared that they were willing to get vaccinated. 83% believed that the cost of vaccination should be reimbursed.

Conclusions: 1. The students in the study group knew key facts about the HPV virus and anti-HPV vaccination, but their detailed knowledge was not sufficient, especially considering that in their future career, they are supposed to educate patients about the primary prevention of cervical cancer. 2. In the opinion of the students, the curriculum for Nursing at Warsaw Medical University contains insufficient information regarding the human papilloma virus and antiHPV vaccination.

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