Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptability towards Human Papilloma Virus and its Vaccine among Undergraduate Female Medical Students, South-West Ethiopia

Habte Bekele Geneti , Dejene Asefa Hailu and Geremew Muleta

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive organ and other body parts causing a range of health problem both in females and males. It is associated with 99.7% of cervical cancers. Though different preventive strategies including HPV vaccine are proved to be effective in preventing cervical cancer that occur as a result of persistent HPV infection, it is the second commonest cancer among female in Ethiopia.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and attitude of female undergraduate medical students towards HPV and its vaccine and their acceptability for the vaccine.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma University, Ethiopia from February 10-16, 2016. Tests for association were done by chi-square and binary logistic regression at significance level of 5%.

Results: Overall, a low knowledge level and favorable attitude for HPV and its vaccine was observed among the study participants. Similarly their willingness for accepting HPV vaccine for self is low reported by only by less than half of the study participants, 196 (49.4%). Tests of association using a chi-square and binary logistic regression at significance level of 5% showed that age and year of study in medical school have a statistically significant association with their knowledge of HPV and its vaccine.

Conclusion and recommendation: This study showed low knowledge level and high unfavorable attitude towards HPV infection and its vaccine among female undergraduate university students. Their willingness to receive HPV vaccine for self is also low. Though an in-depth community based study is recommended; sexual and reproductive health education to the public in general and specifically to the adolescents and young should be given an emphasis probably using strategies like; incorporating in curricula as of primary level, through use of massmedias and the health system.