Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer, screening and hpv vaccine among interns of Dicle University Faculty of Medicine

Introduction and Objective: Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women of all ages worldwide and is preventable through effective screening methods and HPV vaccination. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiological factor in cervical cancer, and thus, the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on this issue are of critical importance for public health. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of intern doctors studying at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine regarding cervical cancer, screening programs, and the HPV vaccine. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between May and August 2024 with 252 final-year medical students at Dicle University. Data were collected through an online form and the validated HPV Knowledge Scale (HPVKS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.38 ± 1.29 years, and 58.3% were male. The mean total score of the HPVKS was 23.46 ± 6.66. While 87.7% reported having knowledge about HPV and 94% stated they would recommend the vaccine, only 7.5% had received it. The rate of Pap-smear testing among female participants was 4.8%. Participants with social security had significantly higher total and subscale scores (p<0.001). Similarly, those with a monthly household income of 40,000 TL or more had significantly higher knowledge levels than lower-income groups (p<0.001). Students living at home scored significantly higher than those living in dormitories (p<0.001). Those who perceived their medical education on HPV and cervical cancer as sufficient also had significantly higher total and subscale scores (p<0.001). Participants who reported being informed about the HPV vaccine scored significantly higher than those who were not (p<0.001). Regarding gender, females had higher scores than males only in the subscale related to the current vaccination program (p=0.049). No statistically significant difference in knowledge scores was observed between participants aged under and over 24 years. The internal consistency of the HPVKS was high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.944. Conclusion: Although intern doctors had high levels of knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, the low rate of HPV vaccination is noteworthy. It is therefore recommended to include the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program and to implement structured educational programs supported by practical content in medical school curricula. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, HPV Infection, HPV Vaccines, HPV Knowledge Scale, Medical Interns