HPV and HPV Vaccination Knowledge and Attitudes Among Medical Students in Alabama

Medical students' knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine and head and neck cancer

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that significantly affects the population worldwide. HPV preventive methods include vaccination, prophylactics, and education. Different types of cancers associated with HPV usually take years or decades to develop after infections, such as Head and Neck Cancer(HNC). Therefore, HPV prevention can be considered cancer prevention. A sample of medical students in Puerto Rico was evaluated to assess their knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and HNC through two previously validated online questionnaires composed of 38 dichotomized questions, we measured HPV, HPV vaccination(HPVK), and HNC knowledge (HNCK). Out of 104 students surveyed, the mean HPVK score obtained was 20.07/26, SD = 3.86, while the mean score for HNCK was 6.37/12, SD = 1.78. Bidirectional stepwise regression showed study year and HPV Vaccine name had been the most influential variables on HPVK and HNCK. MS1 participants scored lower than MS2-MS4 participants, with no significant difference between MS2-MS4 scores. The results reveal knowledge gaps in HPV/HPV Vaccine and HNC among surveyed medical students. Our findings also suggest an association between knowledge of personal vaccination status, self-perceived risk, and how uncertainty in these factors may affect the medical students' understanding of HPV, HPV vaccination, and associated cancers.

The intentions of French health university students to recommend and to receive the HPV vaccine are mainly influenced by vaccine knowledge, confidence in vaccines and personal HPV vaccination

INTRODUCTION

Despite documented effectiveness in preventing several cancers, genital warts and safety of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, immunization coverage among French adolescents remains far from the 80 % target. University health students (HS) in France may promote HPV vaccine through a national service (Service Sanitaire des Etudiants en Santé). We aimed to evaluate intentions to recommend the HPV vaccine to friends and relatives, to receive HPV vaccine, and to identify factors associated with these attitudes.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five French Universities from October 2019 to February 2020, using a self-administered online questionnaire. We used bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models to identify determinants of behavior around HPV vaccine: (i) individual intention for vaccination, and (ii) vaccine recommendation to friends and relatives.

RESULTS

Among the 732 respondents (180 men, 552 women), 305 (41.7%) reported previous HPV vaccination (54.5 % among women), 504 (68.9%) would recommend the HPV vaccine to friends and relatives, 532 (72.7%) respondents would be vaccinated today if it was recommended for them. Intentions to recommend or to receive the HPV vaccine were less frequent in nursing students compared to medical and pharmacy students. After adjustment for demographical factors, HPV vaccine knowledge was associated with intention [aOR 1.30 (95%-confidence interval, 1.15-1.47)] and recommendation [1.26 (1.10-1.45)], respectively. Additionally, adjusting for knowledge about HPV infections, and confidence in vaccines in general was associated with vaccine intention [1.55, (1.30-1.84)] and recommendation [1.52 (1.24-1.86)]. HPV-vaccinated HS were more prone to recommend the HPV vaccine to friends and relatives [10.9 (6.6-17.9)].

CONCLUSION

A majority of HS would accept and/or recommend HPV vaccines. HS with greater knowledge about the HPV vaccine were more prone to recommend it. Strengthening knowledge about HPV and its vaccination is probably necessary before their Involvement in a HPV immunization program.

Knowledge of HPV and HPV Vaccination among Polish Students from Medical and Non-Medical Universities

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause both benign and malignant lesions. HPV vaccines, preferably administered before the onset of sexual activity, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers. The impact of a healthcare provider's recommendation on HPV vaccine acceptance is substantial. Therefore, medical students must undergo thorough training in this domain. This study compares fundamental understanding and viewpoints regarding HPV and anti-HPV vaccines among Polish students pursuing medical and non-medical sciences. This study was based on the authors' questionnaire, and the results were statistically analyzed. The participants in this study were 1025 students (medical sciences students-520 respondents in total; and non-medical sciences students-505 respondents in total). According to the results, medical students' knowledge about the consequences of HPV infection and vaccination against HPV was significantly greater. To date, numerous publications have investigated the understanding of particular social, gender, parental, etc., groups about vaccination, but the knowledge of students at different universities-medical and other-has not been compared. Social awareness is still insufficient, even in groups of medical students. There is much to be done to educate and encourage preventive behavior in those not receiving primary prevention in early childhood.

Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine Knowledge Levels, Attitudes, Beliefs in University Students: Turkey and Ghana Comparison

Purpose: Studies reported that early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical cancer are influenced by knowledge, beliefs, and attitude toward screening. This descriptive-comparative study aimed to assess human papilloma virus (HPV) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in university students and the affecting factors and to compare between Turkish and Ghanaian students. Methods: The sample consists of 933 university students studying in 4 different faculties in 2 universities from Turkey and Ghana. The data were collected between November 2019 and February 2020. The study's data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, Pearson Correlation test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The findings of the study showed that none of the students in both countries had HPV vaccination. It was found that students have low level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccine (3.28 ± 2.14) and positive attitudes (16.57 ± 3.28) and beliefs (36.74 ± 6.55) toward vaccine. The attitude score of the Ghanaian students (17.54 ± 3.23) was found to be significantly higher than the Turkish students (15.74 ± 3.09). The knowledge score of the Ghanaian students who had sexual intercourse was found to be significantly higher than others. The findings of the study revealed that the students of both countries had low level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccine and positive attitudes and beliefs toward the vaccine. Conclusions: It is recommended to increase effective interventions to increase the knowledge level of university students about HPV infection and vaccine. In addition, the vaccine should be included in the immunization program in both countries.

Knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam, thereby providing insights for implementing appropriate medical educational interventions.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among new-entry health science students at Hiroshima University, Japan, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A printed predesigned questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was distributed to the participants during the freshmen health screening at the beginning of the academic year to assess their knowledge of cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 2,748 new-entry health science students participated in the study, including 394 (14.3%) Japanese students and 2,354 (85.7%) Vietnamese students. Most cancer knowledge levels in Japanese students were significantly higher than those in Vietnamese students (p < 0.001), except for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection awareness. For this understanding, only 14.8% of Japanese students selected the correct answer, which was significantly lower than the 22.4% of Vietnamese students (p = 0.001). Both the Japanese and Vietnamese students had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the link between estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer. Additionally, female students had better knowledge about breast, skin, and endometrial cancers than male students.

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese students generally exhibited higher levels of cancer knowledge than Vietnamese students, except for HPV infection recognition. Both groups had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the relationship between estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer.

Addressing knowledge gaps: the key role of community health workers and healthcare providers in human papillomavirus prevention and vaccine uptake in a border community

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and nearly every person who is sexually active will get HPV at some point in their lifetime without having the HPV vaccine. Healthcare Providers (HCPs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) play an essential role in promoting the HPV vaccine and providing education about HPV in communities. Three focus groups with CHWs (n = 17) and HCPs (n = 7) were conducted and led by trained facilitators. In addition to participating in the focus group, CHWs and HCPs completed a brief questionnaire. Focus groups were voice recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis. Independent coders conducted content analysis to identify the salient themes of the focus groups. Several important findings emerged from this study highlighting the barriers to HPV knowledge, gaps in the self-perceived role of HPV cancer prevention, and opportunities to action. Financial, knowledge, patriarchy, behaviors, attitudes, and fears were identified as the perceived patient-related barriers to promoting HPV cancer prevention. Both CHWs and HCPs explained that their female patients are often discouraged by their husbands from seeking out sexual health-related healthcare. Finding suggest the need for community tailored education on HPV and "best practice" trainings for HPV prevention that is applicable to both CHWs and HCPs.

HPV Vaccination Behavior, Vaccine Preference, and Health Beliefs in Chinese Female Health Care Workers: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been proven to be the most effective method to prevent cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the HPV vaccination behavior and preference in Chinese female health care workers. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed to recruit 15,967 respondents aged 18-45 years from 31 provinces in China's mainland in 2021. Of them, 30.0% have been vaccinated or have made an appointment. Regardless of actual vaccination status, respondents mostly preferred the 9-valent HPV vaccine (58.6%), followed by 4-valent (15.6%) and 2-valent vaccines (3.1%); additionally, 17.9% did not have a preference. Moreover, health beliefs on HPV and HPV vaccination were measured using a health belief model (HBM) analysis. Six HBM constructs differed significantly by HPV vaccination status. Higher levels of perceived susceptibility (beta = 0.074), perceived benefit (beta = 0.072), self-efficacy (beta = 0.304), and cues to action (beta = 0.039) scales were significantly associated with increasing HPV vaccine uptake. In contrast, perceived severity (beta = -0.019) and perceived barriers (beta = -0.089) were negative factors. In conclusion, HPV vaccine uptake is high in Chinese female health care workers. HBM constructs may be effective in facilitating the improvement and delivery of targeted intervention programs to increase HPV vaccine uptake.

Factors Associated with HPV Knowledge Among Professionals in the City of Francisco Beltrão, Brazil

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting nearly 50% of the world population. HPV can lead to tissue damage and is associated with many types of cancers. Healthcare professionals' knowledge regarding HPV infection are essential in assuring favorable outcomes for those exposed to HPV, either in prevention or in intervention efforts. In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we explored the levels of HPV knowledge among health professionals in a Brazilian municipality. In total, 260 individuals (90% women), aged 21-66 years (Mean = 40.10 ± 9.30) participated in this investigation and responded to standard questionnaires measuring HPV knowledge as well as sociodemographic and occupational data. Regarding HPV knowledge, 85 (32.8%) individuals were considered to have sufficient knowledge (scored good or very good according to percentile classifications), whereas 174 (67.2%) were labeled as having insufficient knowledge. Mann-Whitney tests showed higher HPV knowledge among those who reported not having children (p = 0.05) and lower levels in the group of community health workers (CHW; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that having children (OR = 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26, 0.96) and being a CHW (OR = 0.52; 95%CI: 0.28, 0.97) were independently associated with insufficient knowledge about HPV. In conclusion, data reported in this study might aid in understanding factors associated with HPV management given the evidence collected from healthcare professionals, suggesting strategies to promote both health education and promotion.

Primary care Providers' approaches to cervical cancer screening in Muslim females

The utilization of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has significantly decreased rates of cervical cancer and related mortality. Disparities in receiving these preventive screenings are scarcely studied in Muslim females. Our study explores primary care providers' (PCP) approaches to cervical cancer screening in Muslim females. We created a cross-sectional Qualtrics survey using convenience sampling of PCPs who perform Pap tests in central Ohio. Recruitment emails were disseminated via departmental email listservs. We had 200 analyzable responses and 78% of respondents reported having Muslim patients. Bivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of providers' approaches. Providers younger than 35 years obtained a sexual history from Muslim females less frequently, family medicine providers were more likely to obtain a sexual history from Muslim females, and gynecologists were more likely to offer the HPV vaccine to Muslim females. Providers who counseled patients about Pap tests (P<0.001) and HPV modes of transmission (P<0.004) were more likely to offer cervical cancer screening for Muslim females. Our findings suggested that providers' age and specialty may be predictors of proactive cervical cancer screening and prevention in Muslim females and that there is a gap between current guidelines and preventive clinical practices regarding the HPV vaccine and transmission counseling.

Knowledge of human papillomavirus vaccination: A multi-institution, cross-sectional study of allopathic and osteopathic medical students

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a well-established and successful tool for preventing HPV-related cancers. However, vaccine uptake remains low, influenced by patient hesitancy around safety concerns and little opportunity to discuss the vaccine with trusted healthcare providers. We conducted a national, cross-sectional study of allopathic and osteopathic medical students regarding knowledge of HPV vaccination guidelines March-April 2021. Analysis sought to identify gaps in knowledge as well as demographic and academic correlates of knowledge. A total of 718 students participated (response rate = 50.8%). While 92.8% of participants identified the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, lower percentages associated HPV with vaginal/vulvar (67.7%), anal (63.3%), and penile (53.9%) cancers. Low percentages of participants correctly identified age of HPV vaccine eligibility (33.3%) and how many doses are needed for full protection (48.1%). This study identifies specific knowledge gaps in medical students' training on HPV-related cancers and HPV vaccination guidelines. Through addressing these gaps, we may improve HPV vaccine uptake and decrease the incidence of HPV-related cancers.

Medical students' knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated head and neck cancer

On the basis of their training, medical students are considered "the best case scenario" among university students in knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV). We evaluated differences in knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and head and neck cancer (HNC) among medical students. A previously validated questionnaire was completed by 247 medical students at a Midwestern university. Outcomes of interest were knowledge score for HPV and HPV vaccine, and HNC, derived from combining questionnaire items to form HPV knowledge and HNC scores, and analyzed using multivariate linear regression. Mean scores for HPV knowledge were 19.4 out of 26, and 7.2 out of 12 for HNC knowledge. In the final multivariate linear regression model, sex, race, and year of study were independently associated with HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. Males had significantly lower HPV vaccine knowledge than females (β = -1.53; 95% CI: -2.53, -0.52), as did nonwhite students (β = -1.05; 95% CI: -2.07, -0.03). There was a gradient in HPV vaccine knowledge based on the year of study, highest among fourth year students (β = 6.75; 95% CI: 5.17, 8.33). Results were similar for factors associated with HNC knowledge, except for sex. HNC knowledge similarly increased based on year of study, highest for fourth year students (β = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.72, 3.29). Among medical students, gaps remain in knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-linked HNC. Male medical students have significantly lower knowledge of HPV. This highlights the need to increase medical student knowledge of HPV and HPV-linked HNC.

Knowledge and attitude of students studying at health department towards HPV and HPV vaccination

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the world. The most frequent disease linked to HPV is cervical cancer as well as other cancers including those of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Our research sought to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes concerning human papillomaviruses and their vaccine among students enrolled in Altınbaş University's faculties of health sciences.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was carried out using a survey containing 41 questions about demographic variables, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV and HPV vaccines. The questions were distributed to students via Google form using social media applications such as WhatsApp.

RESULTS

The study involved 144 students, 71.5 % of whom were female. 37.5 % of the participants learned about HPV from social media. Knowledge of HPV is present in 82 % of females and 25 % of males. Most of the questions had more accurate replies from female than from male students p < 0.05. As a result, 88 %, 46 %of female respondents and 27 %, 14 %of male respondents, respectively, correctly answered the questions about who should receive HPV vaccinations p < 0.001 and how many doses are necessary.

CONCLUSION

Participants' awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer was rather high when compared to other research. However, there are knowledge gaps that need to be corrected and provided through educational programs.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Medical School Students about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) And HPV Vaccine

Objective The objective of study was to measure the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV vaccine and to detect the HPV vaccination status of medical school students. Material and Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on students in a medical school. A sociodemographic data form and HPV Knowledge Scale were used in the study. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square, independent samples t-test, one-way test ANOVA. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance, with a 95% CI. Results Of the 518 students who participated in the study, 57.9% were women, and 61.6% were preclinical students. Rates of smoking (p=0.018) and alcohol consumption (p=0.001) and sexual activity status (p

Knowledge and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccination and affecting factors among nursing and medical students: a questionnaire study

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), HPV testing and HPV vaccinations and affecting factors among nursing and medical students and explore their attitudes regarding HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 635 undergraduate nursing and medical students from March to June 2020 at a state university in Turkey. The data were collected using the Questionnaire Form and HPV Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS). The HPV-KS mean scores of the students were 17.07 ± 6.95. The students were aged 26 and over, females, had good economic status, registered at the faculty of medicine, at higher year of studies, had sexual experience and recommended HPV vaccination got higher knowledge scores regarding HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccination (p ˂ .05). Despite low vaccination rate (2.0%), almost all the students recommended the HPV vaccine (95.9%). Sex, place of residence, faculty (departments), and year of study are among the significant predictor of knowledge about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccinations level up to 39% (p ˂ .05). This study highlights the need for further education and training are required to increase the knowledge about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccination, which may help increase awareness and improve the ratio of vaccination.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and most likely to cause cervical cancer. Prophylactic vaccine administrations is critical in primary protection from HPV.What the results of this study add? The study revealed the needs for education among nursing and medical students about HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccines. Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV testing and HPV vaccines is statistically significantly associated with age, sex, economic status, place of residence, faculty, year of study, sexual experience and recommending HPV vaccines. Sex, place of residence, faculty, and year of study are among the statistically significant positive predictors for HPV knowledge.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Educators should increase education and/or training opportunities related to HPV among nursing and medical students who are the future healthcare providers and in the risky group for HPV during undergraduate education.

Leveraging teachable moments in cancer prevention by improving HPV vaccination in health professional students (HPS): A systematic review

Introduction

Vaccination against HPV is safe and effective in cancer prevention, yet vaccination uptake remains low. Strong recommendation of HPV vaccination by healthcare providers increases immunization rates, but gaps in knowledge persist surrounding HPV and HPV vaccination amongst health professional students (HPS). It is critical to educate HPS in all professions to maximize vaccination opportunities and increase vaccine uptake. The objective of this study is to evaluate evidence on HPV knowledge, vaccine uptake, and educational interventions in HPS to identify specific deficits to improve education.

Methods

A systematic literature search for articles on HPV vaccine uptake, knowledge, and educational interventions in HPS was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus from January 1, 2006 – July 21, 2021. Included studies assessed HPS for HPV vaccine uptake, knowledge, counseling comfort, or educational interventions to increase HPV vaccine knowledge. Studies were screened for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers and evaluated for risk of bias. PRISMA guidelines for reporting were followed.

Results

Twenty-one unique articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of the studies included, 20 included knowledge, 11 included vaccine uptake, 8 included interventions, and 12 included counseling comfort. The students in the studies included medical (n=14), dental (n=7), dental hygiene (n=6), nursing (n=3), physician assistant (n=2), public health (n=1), and pharmacy (n=1). Across studies, HPV vaccine series initiation ranged from 34.6-70.3%, with 28.3-58.3% up to date on vaccination. Most students knew that HPV causes cervical cancer (99%), but fewer knew that HPV causes head and neck cancer (40-47%) and oropharyngeal cancer (45%). Educational interventions included team-based approaches and lectures, and improved outcomes including vaccine knowledge, vaccination schedule, and cancer knowledge. Medical students with lower knowledge of HPV were more hesitant to recommend vaccination at baseline but were more likely to recommend vaccination after an education session.

Discussion

Across HPS, inadequacies persist in HPV vaccine uptake, knowledge, and counseling comfort. It is critical to target vaccine uptake in this population and improve existing educational efforts to reduce preventable cancers. Institutions must prioritize HPV vaccine education to impact HPV related death.

COVID-19 Vaccination Compliance and Associated Factors among Medical Students during an Early Phase of Vaccination Rollout-A Survey from Israel

COVID-19 is "a once-in-a-century" pandemic, bringing with it unparalleled health, social, and economic ramifications. As part of the world's efforts to restrain the pandemic, vaccine development has been expedited. This population-representative survey in Israel aimed to investigate whether the knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination status of medical students affect their intention to recommend COVID-19 vaccination (as well as reasons for refusal and acceptance of the vaccine). The questionnaire was anonymous, via Google Forms app in December 2021. One-hundred and four medical students completed the survey. Overwhelmingly, (91.3%) COVID-19 vaccination status and intention to receive the vaccine were positively associated with intention to recommend. Twenty-five percent of the students replied that they lacked knowledge regarding the vaccine. A statistically significant association was found between experiencing quarantine and the intention to be vaccinated (p = 0.034). There was a significant positive relationship between the number of symptoms from previous vaccines and the fear of COVID-19 (rs = 0.272, p < 0.01). Prior vaccination did not have an effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This first study evaluating COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Israeli medical students highlighted the need for medical programs to emphasize the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in the protection of healthcare workers and patient safety. Education, awareness campaigns, and regulation of vaccine trials could further decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine rates among medical students.

Using the Theory of Planned behavior to identify correlates of HPV vaccination uptake among college students attending a rural university in Alabama

INTRODUCTION

Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) has infected nearly 80 million people in the U.S., and is associated with most cervical cancer cases. Alabama ranks first in the country for cervical cancer mortality and third for incidence. Although the HPV vaccine can prevent HPV and reduce cancer rates, Alabama is well-below the national average for HPV vaccination. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this Alabama-based study aimed to examine college students' intentions to get the HPV vaccine; to examine the relationship between the relationship between religious beliefs and HPV vaccination uptake status among college students.

METHODS

Students (n = 257) from a university in rural Alabama completed the survey. Multiple regression analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests, and moderation analysis were used to examine associations among the variables of interest.

FINDINGS

Consistent with TPB, results showed that attitudes and subjective norms were significant predictors of intention to get vaccinated. Knowledge that both sexes can experience HPV-related health problems, that HPV can cause genital warts, and that the vaccine protects against HPV were each associated with higher attitude scores. The results indicated that the odds of getting at least one HPV shot were higher for females than for males for non-Caucasians than for Caucasians. Students who were not vaccinated were more likely to report that religion influenced their health beliefs. *Abstract.

CONCLUSION

TPB was helpful in understanding HPV-related intentions. Communication and education efforts are needed to increase understanding of HPV illnesses and HPV vaccination benefits among peers, parents, and other loved ones of students. in the rural areas of Alabama.

Lack of knowledge regarding HPV and its relation to oropharyngeal cancer among medical students

Background

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is an important cause of cancer‐related mortality. Early detection of OPC results in a favorable prognosis and higher survival rates. Infection by high‐risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for OPC with an upward trend globally. Medical students' knowledge and awareness of HPV‐related OPC can be crucial in the preventive efforts.

Aim

To assess HPV knowledge among medical students at the University of Jordan, with particular focus on its relation to different cancers.

Methods

This paper‐based survey study was conducted in November 2019. The survey items were based on previously validated surveys used to evaluate HPV‐related OPC knowledge among dental students and professionals. To assess HPV knowledge and students' confidence in personal history taking and physical examination, we developed a knowledge and confidence scores that showed acceptable reliability.

Results

The total number of participants was 1198 students, with a median age of 21 and female predominance (n = 697, 58.2%). Among the participants, 93.3% heard of HPV prior to this survey (n = 1118). Higher levels of knowledge regarding cervical cancer, OPC and HPV vaccination was seen among clinical students compared to their preclinical counterparts, but their overall HPV knowledge was low. Only 18.4% and 21.0% of the clinical students correctly identified the association of HPV with penile and oropharyngeal cancers, respectively. Additionally, 34.5% of the clinical students were not aware of the availability of HPV vaccines. The majority of students (92.0%) reported that the university courses were their major source of knowledge about HPV.

Conclusion

A profound lack of knowledge regarding HPV role in OPC was found among medical students. This insufficiency included several aspects of the virus and its associated diseases. Such gaps in knowledge could have negative consequences in early detection and prevention of OPC and should be addressed by evaluation of the current curriculum.

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and acceptability among medical and allied health students in Northern Nigeria

Prior to its planned introduction, we investigated predictors of baseline knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccination among medical and allied health care students in Kano, northern Nigeria. A total of 410 medical, dental and allied health students completed structured validated questionnaires. Knowledge scores and acceptability of HPV vaccine were determined and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for predictors of HPV knowledge and acceptability were derived from multivariate logistic regression models. Overall, 3.7% (n = 15), 30.7% (n = 126) and 65.6% (n = 269) of respondents had good, moderate, and poor knowledge of HPV, respectively. The majority 334 (81.5%) were willing to accept the HPV vaccine, but only 18 (4.4%) had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Knowledge of HPV was better among females, younger (<20 years) medical students, students at higher levels of study, sexually experienced students, and condom users. HPV vaccine acceptance was higher among female students in the faculty of allied health with a family history of cervical cancer and good or moderate knowledge of HPV. In conclusion, most students were willing to receive HPV vaccination, despite their sub-optimal level of knowledge and low vaccine uptake. We recommend piloting the HPV vaccine in health colleges and recruiting early adopters as peer educators and advocates.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has been introduced in over 80 countries in the past decade, but evidence suggests low awareness of HPV infection and the vaccine, especially in developing countries. Nigeria proposes to introduce the HPV vaccine as part of the routine immunisation program in early 2021.What do the results of this study add? The majority of medical and allied health students in Kano, Nigeria, were willing to receive HPV vaccination, despite their sub-optimal level of knowledge and low vaccine uptake. Vaccine acceptance was predicted by the respondent's sex, course of study, family history of cervical cancer and knowledge of HPV.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings could inform program implementation and evaluation as HPV vaccine uptake is scaled up across Africa.