Human Papiloma Virus Vaccination: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Medical Students at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death in India. HPV virus is a major infectious etiological factor of cervical cancer. It has been proven that HPV vaccine, if taken before initiation of sexual life, is highly effective in HPV and cervical cancer prevention. Despite its availability, deaths due to cervical cancer has increased rapidly. Healthcare workers, especially the young medical students can play a significant role in recommendation of HPV vaccination among people. So, this study was conducted to study the knowledge, attitude and practices of HPV infection and vaccination among medical students. Methodology: A cross -sectional observational study was conducted in medical students of Narendra Modi Medical College. Three hundred medical students were requested to fill a questionnaire which covered demographic details, knowledge, attitude and practice towards HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. Results:82.66% of students were aware about the HPV infection out of which 71% of the participants knew that cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccine, 66.66% of studentes aware of the availability and 35% were well aware about the correct schedule/dosage of vaccination. Conclusion: Though the knowledge and attitude about the HPV infection and its vaccination is good among the medical students, but the practice of vaccination is poor. Keywords: HPV – Human Papilloma Virus, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, HPV vaccine, medical students