HPV INFECTION: DOES EDUCATION PACKAGE IMPROVE THE PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HPV VACCINE AMONG SCHOOLTEACHERS?

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped virus that causes infections like 'warts' in the genital region & throat which later develops into cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis/anus and Oropharyngeal cancer. Virus infections contribute as a cause of 15-20% of all human cancers. As per WHO vaccination schedule, it is essential to vaccinate secondary school students between the age group of 11-18 years/above with 2 doses. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of educational package on HPV infection and Vaccine with regard to Pre and Post assessment among schoolteachers and to determine the level of awareness on Human Papilloma virus infection and to assess the attitude towards administering the HPV vaccine among School teachers. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among 177 schoolteachers in Chennai district. The setting was chosen based on feasibility and availability of adequate samples (C0VID restrictions). The target population for the present study was schoolteachers, Chennai. Systematic random sampling technique was used for selecting the samples. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess the level of awareness among schoolteachers. Questions formulated under various domains. The data collection was done over a period of 6 months duration. RESULTS: 20.4% of teachers had fair attitude with less awareness towards HPV vaccination, 4.1% of teachers had good attitude with less awareness towards HPV vaccination.79.6% of teachers had fair attitude with good awareness score regarding HPV infection, 95.9% of teachers had good attitude with good awareness regarding the HPV infection. Statistical analysis using Chi-square test represents the post attitude and post awareness score were good and hence the education package was effective. The study shows the signi?cant difference between pre and post knowledge scores.