Assessing Knowledge, Perception and Practices About HPV Infection, Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccination among Non-Health Science Female Undergraduates

Nipanjana Saha

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is a malignant outgrowth of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus, it is the second most leading cancer among women in India, and fourth around the globe. Every year around 604, 000 new cases are diagnosed with India accounting for approximately 132, 000 new cases, the highest among other Asian countries and 340, 000 deaths are happening annually around the globe, where India contributes to about 74, 000. Persistent infection with high - risk strains of Human Papilloma Virus is accountable for the causation of cervical cancer, 70% of the time, which is preventable via HPV Vaccination and can be detected early via routine screenings. Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, perception, and practices among non - health science female undergraduates on Human Papilloma Virus, Cervical Cancer and HPV vaccination in eastern India, alongside their vaccination status against HPV. Methodology: A cross ? sectional study was designed and carried out using a structured questionnaire derived from previous literature searches. The questionnaire was segmented into four parts, a) socio - demographic details, b) questions to assess knowledge, c) questions to assess vaccination practices, d) questions to assess perception. Target population was non - health science female undergraduate students. Data of 674 complete responses were analysed using SPSS 24. Results: Participants of this study primarily belonged to Urban areas, well - educated families and had good health seeking behaviour. Among the study population 4.3% (n - 29) were vaccinated against HPV. The mean knowledge score was 11.24, with 2 being minimum and 23 being the maximum score, out of a maximum possible score of 33. Mother?s educational background significantly influenced the knowledge score of the respondents. (P= 0.05) Conclusion: the study shows that the study population had insufficient knowledge about HPV & Cervical cancer, but they showed willingness to get vaccinated if there is provision of necessary knowledge.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, HPV, HPV Vaccination, Knowledge, Perception

How to Cite?: Nipanjana Saha, "Assessing Knowledge, Perception and Practices About HPV Infection, Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccination among Non-Health Science Female Undergraduates", Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 920-927, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25318105118, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25318105118