Knowledge and Attitude Towards HPV Vaccination Among Vocational and High School Students

Speaker(s)

Mihály B1, Pakai A2, Csákvári T3, Póhr K4, Ferenczy M4, Khatatbeh H5, Boncz I6, Vajda R7
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Kaposvár, Hungary, 2University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, ZA, Hungary, 3University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Zalaegerszeg, ZA, Hungary, 4University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, VA, Hungary, 5Jerash Private University, Jerash, Jordan, 6University of Pécs, Pécs, BA, Hungary, 7University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to explore the attitude and knowledge level of vocational and high school students regarding the HPV vaccine, infection, and the diseases caused by the infection, as well as to assess the students' needs concerning the HPV vaccination.

METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out at Madách Imre High School in Salgótarján, the Stromfeld Aurél Vocational Secondary School of Mechanical, Construction, and Information Technology, and the Nógrád County Vocational Training Center Commercial and Catering Technical and Vocational School in Hungary. Using non-random, purposive sampling, we surveyed high school boys and girls aged 14 to 25 (N=103). Those who did not complete 70% of the questionnaire were excluded. A self-administered online questionnaire was used for data collection, in which we assessed students' knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infection and its vaccine. Data processing was performed using descriptive and mathematical statistical methods (χ2 test, t-test). Results were considered significant at p<0.05.

RESULTS: 56.1% of the students (n=55) received the HPV vaccine. Girls and high school students performed significantly better on the HPV knowledge tests (p<0.05). The level of knowledge about HPV correlates with both positive and negative attitudes towards the HPV vaccine, with a weak positive relationship between the variables (r=0.22 vs. r=0.32, p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between sources of information and HPV knowledge levels, nor with participation in sexual education (p>0.05). As age increased, there was no increase in positive attitudes towards the vaccine among students (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Expanding the students' level of knowledge is key to increase the coverage of the HPV vaccine. Suitable methods for educating students about infection and the vaccine would include organized presentations within the school framework and online information dissemination.

Code

PCR263

Topic

Methodological & Statistical Research, Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Health State Utilities, Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes, PRO & Related Methods

Disease

Oncology, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Vaccines