An assessment of the knowledge levels of medical students at Uşak University concerning HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is one of the leading infectious agents associated with cancer. High-risk HPV infections are estimated to be responsible for approximately 90% of cervical and anal cancers, 70% of vulvar and vaginal cancers, 60% of penile cancers, and 70% of oropharyngeal cancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge levels of medical students at Uşak University regarding HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination, and to raise awareness on this important public health issue. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical research conducted with the students of the Faculty of Medicine at Uşak University during the 2024–2025 academic year, between September 1, 2024, and December 1, 2024. The sample size was calculated as 251 individuals, based on an assumed prevalence of 50%, with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Participation in the study was voluntary, and students who agreed to participate were included after being informed about the purpose and procedures of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The survey consisted of two sections. In the first section, sociodemographic questions were asked to gather information relevant to the study objectives. In the second section, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Knowledge Scale, consisting of a total of 33 questions, was used to assess the participants' level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 30.00 with appropriate statistical tests. Result: Among the 260 students who participated in the study, 75.0% were aged between 18 and 24 years, 20.4% were between 25 and 30 years, and 4.6% were aged 31 years or older. Of the participants, 58.5% were female, and 53.1% had completed an obstetrics and gynecology internship. It was determined that 13.5% of the students had a chronic illness, 13.1% used medication regularly, 24.2% were smokers, and 29.2% consumed alcohol. Smoking was reported by 39.8% of male students and 13.2% of female students, while alcohol use was reported by 38% of males and 23% of females, indicating that smoking and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among male students. Regarding awareness, 98.5% of the students had heard of HPV, 71.9% had heard of HPV testing, and 97.3% had heard of the HPV vaccine. Awareness of HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination was found to be higher among students who had completed an obstetrics and gynecology internship. When compared by place of residence, students living in dormitories had lower levels of awareness regarding HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination. The total mean score on the HPV Knowledge Scale was found to be 22.22 ± 5.89. Participants' scores ranged between 0 and 31, with a median score of 23. Female students had significantly higher total HPV Knowledge Scale scores, as well as higher scores in the subscales measuring knowledge about the HPV vaccine (Subscale 3 - AÖ3) and the HPV vaccination program (Subscale 4 - AÖ4), compared to male students. Students who had completed an obstetrics and gynecology internship had significantly higher total scores and subscale scores on the HPV Knowledge Scale than those who had not. Furthermore, students who had prior awareness of HPV, HPV testing, or the HPV vaccine scored significantly higher across the entire HPV Knowledge Scale and all its subscales compared to those who had never heard of them. When evaluated according to economic status, students with better economic conditions had significantly higher knowledge levels in the subscale measuring general knowledge about the HPV vaccine (AÖ3). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that male medical students had lower levels of knowledge regarding HPV, the HPV vaccine, and the HPV vaccination program compared to their female counterparts. The mean score for Subscale 4 (AÖ4), which measures knowledge of the current HPV vaccination program, was found to be relatively low. Enhancing the knowledge of future healthcare providers about HPV and increasing the amount of in-service training they receive once they begin their professional practice is of critical importance. Keywords: HPV İnfection, HPV Vaccines, HPV Knowledge Scale, Medical Students, Level of Knowledge