Evaluation and Comparison of Medicine Students’ Knowledge about HPV

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for almost 99% of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is a public health problem, being the fourth most common type of tumor among women worldwide and the third most common cancer among women in Brazil. It is known that cervical cancer is one of the most easily preventable forms of cancer, as there is a highly effective vaccine against HPV, however, morbidity and mortality rates related to human papillomavirus are still frightening, especially in less developed countries. Low vaccination adherence rates, especially the second dose, are probably a reflection of the lack of knowledge about this virus, its clinical repercussions, and the vaccine. A clinical trial was carried out in a higher education institution in Alagoas (Brazil), with students of the medical course to whom a validated questionnaire was applied on HPV in the virtual environment ( google forms ). Data collection was carried out throughout the month of May of the year 2023. It was shown that the knowledge of medical students about the human papillomavirus was less than what would be desired for future doctors. The alert for the acute need to assess health illiteracy is clear, especially regarding cancer that can be prevented by a highly effective vaccine.