“Knowledge Regarding Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination Among High School Children at Selected School in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu”
Dr. Sreerenjini.B,Ph.D.(N), Prof. Priya.V, Mrs.Dharshana.A.J, M.Sc.(N),Ms.Santhiya.M,M.Sc.(N).,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing,
PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern with the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) being the primary cause. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 5,28,000 new cases and 2,66,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2022) Studies have consistently shown that high school children have limited knowledge about HPV, cervical cancer and HPV Vaccination (Kumar et. Al., 2018) Human Papilloma virus (HPV) can also be sexually transmitted infection worldwide causing a variety of benign and malignant conditions. Nearly all occurrences of cervical cancer (99%) are associated with high-risk human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. Methodology: Quantitative research, Descriptive cross sectional research design was used. Participants were 378 high school children with the age of 14 to 18 years from selected school. Survey was conducted by using self-administered questionnaire. Results & Discussion: The mean and standard deviation on knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV Vaccination among high school children was 4.64 ± 2.297. It was found to be inadequate among high school children. The calculated Chi square value was higher in class of studying 16.23 than the tabulated value (7.99), at the level of p <0.001. Hence it reveals that there was a significant association between the 8th standard school students on knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV Vaccination among high school children. Conclusion: The study finding suggests that further educational interventions needed to enhance knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination among adolescents.
Key words: Knowledge, Cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, High school children, Human Papilloma Virus
