Objectives: To assess knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination, and HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and to evaluate HPV vaccine acceptability among a sample of undergraduate dental students.

Methods: All third- and fourth-year dental students enrolled in any of the dental schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. In total, 500 students completed a self-administered questionnaire on HPV, HPV vaccines, and HPV-related OPC knowledge. HPV, HPV vaccine and HPV-related OPC knowledge scores were calculated. Associations of participants characteristics with the knowledge scores and with willingness to take the HPV vaccine were assessed.

Results: Of the participants, 62% had heard of HPV infections, and 57% of HPV vaccines. Average knowledge scores were low: HPV knowledge score 3.8±4.5 out of 16, HPV vaccination knowledge score 0.9±1.6 out of 7, OPC knowledge score 0.9±1.2 out of 5. Clinical-year students had better knowledge and were more willing to take the HPV vaccine than were preclinical-year students, as were those vaccinated for hepatitis B versus those not vaccinated for hepatitis B. Students with higher HPV knowledge scores were more willing to take the HPV vaccine (66%) than were those with lower scores (43%) (p=0.018). Only 4% of males and 12% of females reported taking the HPV vaccine. Of those who refused it, 51% cited lack of knowledge as the primary reason.

Conclusions: Knowledge about HPV, its vaccine, and HPV-related OPC is low among this sample of Saudi undergraduate dental students. Improving knowledge among them may increase their awareness, which could affect the care provided to patients.
.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8046298PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.12.3595DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

hpv vaccine
32
hpv
18
knowledge scores
16
knowledge
14
dental students
12
hpv-related opc
12
opc knowledge
12
knowledge hpv
12
knowledge score
12
knowledge human
8

Similar Publications

Study of the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

J Epidemiol Glob Health

January 2025

Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection, includes over 200 types, some linked to genital warts and various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. In Saudi Arabia, an estimated 10.7 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of HPV-related cervical cancer.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, posing a significant mortality risk. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary instigator of cervical cancer development, often alongside coinfection with other viruses, precipitating various malignancies. This study aimed to explore recent biotechnological advances in understanding HPV infection dynamics, host interactions, and its role in oncogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake in the French Caribbean has remained below 25% since introduction in 2007, which is well behind national and international targets. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), we explored parental preferences around HPV vaccination and optimized communication content in a sample of parents of middle-school pupils in Guadeloupe.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in public and private middle age schools in Guadeloupe in June 2023 using an online questionnaire.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: The purpose of this review was to examine new evidence since our 2019 guidelines for cervical cancer (CC) screening in non-HIV immunocompromised persons and to provide updated recommendations based on literature review and expert opinion. In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine efficacy in these populations was reviewed.

Methods: A literature search was performed similar to our previous publication but was conducted through March 2023.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate among Japanese high school girls remains critically low, reflecting ongoing public apprehension and misinformation. This study explores the relationship between information presentation and attitudes toward HPV vaccination in Japan.

Methods: We conducted a web-based survey of female high school students aged 15 to 16 and mothers of daughters of similar age across Japan.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!