Knowledge of Medical and Dental Iranian Students about the Infection and Vaccination of Human Papilloma Virus

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate awareness of medical and dental students of Kerman University of medical science about the infection and vaccination of the human papilloma virus. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 medical and dental students. The data were collected using a questionnaire, which consisted of demographic data, and awareness-raising questions whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Mann-Whitney U and linear regression test were used for statistical analysis, and significance level of 0.05% was measured. Results: From 290 participants, 44.5% were male, 69.7% were single, 51.7% were medical students and 92.4% of individuals had awareness about HPV. The most common source of information (83.7%) was textbook. 39.9% of respondents were not familiar with the HPV vaccine and 62.1% tended to be vaccinated. Most of individuals (69.4%) were willing to pay a vaccination fee of less than $10. Most of respondents were not aware of HPV vaccination in Iran (68.3%). The mean score of knowledge was 6.1 ± 2.4. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender, field of study and marital status with mean score of knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: The students' knowledge was moderate. The awareness of men and women about HPV was poor. Further studies are recommended on other community groups, especially young people. Risk groups should be identified and referred to the relevant organs for vaccination.