University students' knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, and human papillomavirus vaccines in Turkey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The current descriptive study aimed to determine university students' knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV vaccines in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 800 students participated. METHODS: This study was carried out between September 1, 2012, and October 30, 2012, in 8 female dormitories. RESULTS: In response to the question "What are cervical cancer risk factors?" 10.0% of students said HPV; 90.9% were unaware of how to protect themselves from HPV. Of the students, 99.7% had not had an HPV vaccination, only 32.6% wanted to get an HPV vaccination, and 20.7% did not want to be vaccinated, as they believe it "might have adverse effects." CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that female university students have low levels of awareness and knowledge toward cervical cancer risk factors, HPV, and HPV vaccination.