vary widely, influenced by awareness and knowledge levels. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding HPV and its vaccine among first and second‐year MBBS students, a crucial demographic due to their future role in healthcare. This cross‐sectional study involved a sample size of 200 MBBS students from a single medical college. Participants were surveyed using a structured questionnaire that assessed their knowledge of HPV, its health implications and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to explore the association between the students' year of study and their level of awareness and knowledge. The findings revealed moderate awareness of HPV and its vaccine among the students, with 40.50% reporting awareness of HPV and 56.00% awareness of the HPV vaccine. Knowledge gaps were significant concerning HPV's role in cancers other than cervical and the safety of the HPV vaccine. Misconceptions about the virus predominantly affecting only women were prevalent among 46.50% of the participants. The study underscores a critical need for enhancing HPV‐related health education within the medical curriculum. Addressing the identified knowledge gaps and misconceptions through targeted educational interventions could improve future healthcare providers' preparedness to advocate for and administer HPV vaccinations, potentially increasing uptake rates.
Anita Patil and Rahul Kumbhar. Assessment of Awareness Regarding HPV and its Vaccine Among Ist and IInd Year MBBS Students.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.396.400
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.11.396.400