Examining HPV knowledge levels of midwifery and nursing undergraduate students: A cross-sectional study in Turkey

Ayla Güllü

Abstract

HPV infection can lead to various diseases, from benign lesions to cancer, in both men and women. Healthcare professionals with a high level of HPV knowledge will be effective in raising awareness. This study aims to investigate the level of HPV knowledge of student midwives and nurses, who are future health professionals. This study was conducted cross-sectionally. The data was collected between September and October 2022. The study was carried out by 565 students. The form used is the “Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS)”. The scale consists of 33 items and 4 sub-dimensions. The highest score obtained on the scale is 33 and the lowest score is 0. A high score indicates a high level of knowledge about HPV. In this study, nursing and midwifery students were found to have low knowledge of HPV (11.45 ± 6.79). The level of HPV knowledge of midwifery students was higher than that of nursing students (p = 0.000). Female students scored significantly higher than male students on the sub-dimensions of HPV testing knowledge questions (p=0.045) and HPV vaccine knowledge questions (p=0.022 ). The HPV knowledge score of students who reported having sufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases was also high (p = 0.000). HPV awareness should be developed among nursing and midwifery students. It is important that nursing and midwifery students, who will provide health services after graduation, have a high level of knowledge about HPV in order to protect their own health and that of society.

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References

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