Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Prevention and HPV Vaccination among Female Students of Selected Tertiary Education Centers Based on a Descriptive Crosssectional Study in Batticaloa

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in humans, the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries. The worldwide incidence of cervical cancer is approximately 510,000 new cases annually, with approximately 288,000 deaths worldwide. As carcinogenic HPV infection virtually causes all cervical cancer, prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is the most effective preventive method against invasive cervical cancer. Studies conducted elsewhere have reported a lack of awareness of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination, therefore evidence on women's knowledge and perception about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are needed for effective implementation of national cervical cancer prevention programs. Aim: To assess the knowledge on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination amongst the female students of selected tertiary education centers in Batticaloa. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among female students of selected tertiary education centers in Batticaloa. Data was collected from 121 female students in selected tertiary education centers in Batticaloa using a self-administered questionnaire. Results Results: of overall knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, as evidenced by our study, shows that a majority, 49 of the 121(40.5%) sample population had poor knowledge and the second largest group, consisting of 39 students, had no knowledge (32.2%). A striking majority (58.68%) were well informed on the prevalence of cervical cancer but a vast majority of our study population (59.51%) were unaware that HPV is a main causative factor in cervical cancer. On assessment for knowledge of HPV vaccine, 64.46% were not familiar with the availability of such a vaccine in the health sector, and approximately 35% of participants indicated an intention to receive an HPV vaccine for themselves and their children and recommend it to others. At the same time an overshadowing amount of 40.83% were indifferent to theirs and their family’s vaccination status and 24.17% refused. Our results portrayed that 7.44% received an HPV vaccination although 35.4% were aware of the availability of such a vaccine whilst 44.63% have not received one. In contrast a vast majority of our study population, 47.93% were unsure about their vaccination status. Of the options that were provided to our study population regarding the reason behind not being vaccinated an overwhelming majority (92.56%) were not aware that an HPV vaccination against cervical cancer was available. Conclusion: The knowledge on cervical cancer and its main preventive measure, Human Papilloma Virus vaccination and the screening methods of cervical cancer were very poor among the participants who were in the age group of 18 -25 years and had educational levels up to Advanced Levels (A/Ls).