Level of Awareness About HPV Infection and Vaccine Among the Medical Students: A Comprehensive Review from India

• Published in: Indian journal of gynecologic oncology 2021-12, Vol.19 (4), Article 61
• Main Authors: Kamath, Anusha, Yadav, Anita, Baghel, Jyoti, Bansal, Piyush, Mundle, Shuchita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Original Article; Surgical Oncology
• ISSN: 2363-8397; 2363-8400
• DOI: 10.1007/s40944-021-00553-5

Introduction Developing and under-developed countries bear more than 80% of the global burden of cervical cancer. It can largely be prevented by prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections such as human papilloma virus (HPV). Both condom usage and protective inoculation (HPV vaccine) may be considered as primary prevention since cervical cancer screening only detects the pre-invasive lesions. At present, two vaccines licensed globally are available in India: a quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil marketed by Merck, and a bivalent vaccine, Cervarix marketed by Glaxo Smith Kline. The WHO recommends the HPV vaccine as the main approach for the prevention of cervical cancer, to be preferably administered prior to first sexual contact especially in adolescent girls. The most important step in creating an effective coverage program is to develop accurate forms of communication and information about HPV so that people understand the importance of prevention and problems associated with this virus. Since the vaccine is most effective when administered prior to sexual contact, it is essential to inform the youth about the availability of this vaccine. Most of the studies for knowledge, awareness and practice of HPV infection and vaccination are aimed at women in the community. This study attempts to assess the awareness among medical graduates studying at various institutions spread over Southern and Central India. Materials and Methods The current study is designed as a cross-sectional observational study for final year medical graduates at various medical colleges across India. The recruitment of participants was done by purposive snowballing technique over a period of two months. The data collection was done through an online questionnaire generated with the help of Google Forms. Results Mean age of the participants was 21.73 (+ _1.33) years with a range between 20 and 24 years ( n  = 354). A total of 196 (55.4%) participants knew that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and 83.6% knew all the risk factors for cervical cancer. Approximately 51.6% were aware of the conditions that may be associated with HPV, and 69.2% were aware of the various methods of protection from HPV infection. Knowledge about the types of vaccine available in India and the dosage schedule was poor. Conclusion Medical schools should modify their curricula to include teaching methods aimed at improving HPV vaccination and its related information.