Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin, cilt.15, sa.2, ss.151-158, 2016 (Scopus)
© GATA.HPV is diagnosed in almost all cervix cancers. Determination of HPV as a risk factor has led to HPV scanning and development of HPV vaccines in the prevention of cervix cancer. Since the risk of HPV infection onset is high during adolescence period, HPV vaccine is called for during adolescence period before sexual act starts. This research aimed to determine the knowledge and opinions of university youth about HPV infection and its vaccine. The population of the study comprised of 998 female students at Kütahya School of Health of Dumlupınar University. The whole population was tried to be reached with random sampling method. 468 students having accepted to participate were applied a questionnaire. The participation rate was 46,89%. The data were analysed using percentage, chi square and pearson chi square tests. The age mean of the participant students was 21.07±1.98. It was determined that 68,4% of the students had no knowledge about HPV infections and 43,6% hadn’t heard anything about HPV vaccine before. Furthermore 56,4% of the students hesitated about HPV vaccination. 53,4% stated that they would be vaccinated if it was free of charge. Knowledge levels of the students about HPV showed statistically significant discrepancies according to their departments and grades (p<0.05). It was determined that students of Nursing Department were more knowledgeable about HPV infection and its vaccine (p<0.05). It is clearly seen that the knowledge level of the university students about HPV infection and its vaccine is rather low. It is recommended that in order to inform the youth about HPV vaccine, educational programs should be provided through cooperation among related sectors, counselling should be provided by primary healthcare institutions and public health surveys should be conducted for financial support for vaccination.