Nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination and infection

Abstract

Human papillomavirus is responsible for 70% cervical cancers worldwide. The study assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination and infection. A descriptive design was employed among nursing college students between 18 and 25 were selected as a purposive sample for the study. The study was conducted at the Menoufia University-affiliated Faculty of Nursing. A structured online questionnaire including sociodemographic data, level of knowledge about human papillomavirus infection and vaccination, and nursing students' attitudes toward HPV vaccination. The total knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination was low, 36.6% and 45.1%, respectively. The total attitude toward HPV vaccination was negative mean 27 ± 3.8. The total attitude toward HPV infection was negative mean 25 ± 1.1. Students' knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination was positively correlated with attitude. None of nursing students not received HPV vaccination. Provide nursing university students with educational packages to improve their attitudes toward the future of the HPV vaccine and to increase their understanding of HPV.