Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Education and Knowledge Among Medical and Dental Trainees

Knowledge of and acceptability towards human papilloma virus vaccine in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey study

Vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) play a major role in preventing infection with HPV among heterosexual couples. The aim of this study was to assess public knowledge and attitude towards HPV vaccine in Saudi Arabia. This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was conducted between May and June 2023. This study utilized the convenience sampling technique to recruit the study participants. The study participants were invited to participate in this study through social media platforms (X, Facebook, and WhatsApp). Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the factors associated with better knowledge level and the findings were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and corresponding p-values. A total of 819 participants were included in the analysis. A total of 355 participants (43.3%) had a good knowledge score and 464 participants (56.7%) had poor knowledge. The total mean of knowledge score was (3.22 ± 2.44). As the table shown, single participants reported a significant higher knowledge score mean (3.59 ± 2.52) compared to married (2.84 ± 2.32) (P = .0001). Participants aged between 18 to 29 years reported a significant higher knowledge score mean (3.57 ± 2.52) compared to participants aged between 40 and 49 years (2.60 ± 2.21) (P = .0001). Participants who lived in Eastern area had significantly higher odds of knowledge compared to other areas (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.45 - 3.33, P = .001). Participants who worked in medical field had significantly higher odds of having good knowledge compared to other jobs (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 2.39-5.57, P = .0001). Participants who had 2 sexual partners have you had in the past 2 years had a significant higher odd of having good knowledge (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.02-4.12, P = .04). This study identified that a considerable proportion of the study participants demonstrated poor level of knowledge of HPV vaccine. Participants who lived in Eastern area, those who worked in medical field, and those who had 2 sexual partners have you had in the past 2 years had a significant higher odd of having good knowledge. Future studies should be directed towards developing educational campaign to improve public awareness of HPV.

HPV Vaccine Communication and Administration for the Prevention of Oropharyngeal Cancer in Dental Primary Care: Perspectives of Professionals and Students-A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) presents a significant concern, prompting dental professionals to play an increasingly vital role in HPV vaccination and prevention within primary healthcare. This study aimed to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental professionals and students regarding HPV, the HPV-OPC association, and HPV vaccine communication and administration in dental settings to pinpoint areas for improvement and develop targeted interventions. Methods: This study involved a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus for research outputs published from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2024. Eligible studies examined the knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors of dental professionals and students regarding HPV and HPV-OPC. The Risk of Bias Tool was used to evaluate the bias risk in all included studies Results: Forty-two studies with a low bias risk were analyzed. While general HPV knowledge was evident in both dental practitioners and students, deficiencies in understanding HPV-OPC and vaccination were identified. Only 9% of dental practitioners discussed HPV vaccination, but future students showed greater willingness (40-80%) to engage in these discussions. Among dental professionals, common barriers included discomfort and a lack of confidence in discussing HPV vaccination. Attitudes towards administering the HPV vaccine varied between dental practitioners and students, with an interest in training programs for readiness. Liability concerns were highlighted as a significant barrier for both groups, impacting their confidence in vaccine administration. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for strategies and areas to enhance knowledge and confidence in discussing HPV vaccines in dental primary healthcare settings, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers to plan programs that enhance the readiness of dental professionals to administer HPV vaccines.

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.

Vaccine hesitancy educational interventions for medical students: A systematic narrative review in western countries

Physician recommendations can reduce vaccine hesitancy (VH) and improve uptake yet are often done poorly and can be improved by early-career training. We examined educational interventions for medical students in Western countries to explore what is being taught, identify effective elements, and review the quality of evidence. A mixed methods systematic narrative review, guided by the JBI framework, assessed the study quality using MERSQI and Cote & Turgeon frameworks. Data were extracted to analyze content and framing, with effectiveness graded using value-based judgment. Among the 33 studies with 30 unique interventions, effective studies used multiple methods grounded in educational theory to teach knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Most interventions reinforced a deficit-based approach (assuming VH stems from misinformation) which can be counterproductive. Effective interventions used hands-on, interactive methods emulating real practice, with short- and long-term follow-ups. Evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing should frame interventions instead of the deficit model.

Knowledge, and attitude of medical students about role of human papilloma virus, and vaccine in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Papilloma DNA virus which is most common sexually transmitted disease to both sexes. The infection either benign or malignant affecting head and neck region.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assess the level of knowledge, and attitude, of medical students about Human Papilloma virus, vaccine, and its role in head and neck cancer development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 357 undergraduate medical students. Data were collected by online Google form researcher made questionnaires which was analyzed using SPSS 25.

RESULTS

There are 357 medical undergraduate students from different educational stages participated in this study. This study was shown 176 (49.3 %) of medical students agreed that smoking Tobacco are the most common causes for development oral cancer followed by viruses 98 (27.5 %), that 57.4 % of medical students reported that HPV was the main viral cause. As for the questions concerning HPV mode of transmission, almost (85.7 %) stated sexual transmission, (79.8 %) skin to skin direct contact. Most of the participants (92.2 %) agreed that primary prevention can decrease the risk of infection with HPV, and 43.4 % strongly agreed that vaccination plays an important role in HPV prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a requirement within the existing curriculum and syllabus to include more education, seminars, and training courses on HPV, role in HNC, prevention, and vaccination, and mainly for students in the preclinical academic years. Application of a virtual classroom viral module or communicating workshop would likely improve knowledge and attitudes of the students for their future medical tasks.

The Effect of Educational Intervention on Human Papillomavirus Knowledge among Male and Female College Students in Riyadh

Background and Objectives: Persistent high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancers in the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx. A lack of knowledge about HPV can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which is detrimental to combating HPV-related diseases. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an HPV educational intervention to enhance university students' awareness of HPV. Materials and Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test study on male and female college students from the College of Applied Medical Science and the College of Nursing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at King Saud University. Data were collected from May 2023 to March 2024. The first section of the survey assessed sociodemographic factors, and the second section measured knowledge regarding HPV. Results: A total of 271 students completed the surveys, with 71 males (26.2%) and 200 females (73.8%) participating. Students aged 22 years or older had better HPV awareness. Gender significantly predicts HPV awareness, with female students being four times more likely to be aware of HPV compared to male students. After the educational intervention, significant improvements in HPV knowledge were observed in all items (p-values < 0.0001) and across all demographic groups. Misconceptions about HPV were corrected, and the overall knowledge score increased from 29.3% to 82.0%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that similar interventions could benefit other populations in the kingdom, potentially increasing vaccination rates.

Medical students' knowledge on cancer predisposition syndromes and attitude toward eHealth

PURPOSE

Individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) inherit elevated cancer risks. Medical supply gaps for people at risk of CPS cause insufficient outreach and miss potential benefits of individualized care strategies. Increased awareness of CPS and progress in the eHealth sector are untapped sources of health care improvement for affected individuals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study addressed German-speaking medical students with an online questionnaire in respect to their knowledge of CPS, their medical education, and perspectives. The study population (n = 404) reported interest in and knowledge of CPS, supported by a satisfactory and sustainable education for their prospective patient care. The next generation of doctors would implement eHealth to improve medical services. Skepticism about digitization was claimed by students. They were especially concerned about deterioration in the physician-patient relationship, data abuse, dependence on technology, and incorrect diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Due to increasing diagnosing of CPS and deeper knowledge, this topic is essential for the curriculum in medical schools. In particular, care providers need know-how on identifying patients at risk for a CPS, certain diagnostic and therapeutic steps, surveillance and prophylactic strategies to improve patients' outcomes. Education in medical school as well as implemented eHealth seems to have potential to meet this demand in an upcoming era of personalized medicine. What does this study add to the clinical work. Medical teaching on cancer predisposition syndromes should be expanded to improve knowledge and individualized and personalized healthcare.