Students’ Knowledge about Cervical Cancer Prevention in Poland
Karolina Osowiecka,
Samira Yahuza,
Marek Szwiec,
Anna Gwara,
Karolina Kasprzycka,
Monika Godawska,
Dominik Olejniczak,
Agnieszka Nowacka,
Jacek J. Nowakowski,
Sergiusz Nawrocki,
Monika Rucinska
Affiliations
Karolina Osowiecka
Department of Psychology and Sociology of Health and Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Warszawska 30, 11-041 Olsztyn, Poland
Samira Yahuza
Department of Oncology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Wojska Polskiego 37, 10-228 Olsztyn, Poland
Marek Szwiec
Department of Surgery and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zielona Gora, ul. Zyty 28, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
Anna Gwara
Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Science, University of Zielona Gora, ul. Zyty 28, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
Karolina Kasprzycka
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ceglana 35, 40-515 Katowice, Poland
Monika Godawska
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ceglana 35, 40-515 Katowice, Poland
Dominik Olejniczak
Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
Agnieszka Nowacka
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Didactics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland
Jacek J. Nowakowski
Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Plack Łódzki 3, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland
Sergiusz Nawrocki
Department of Oncology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Wojska Polskiego 37, 10-228 Olsztyn, Poland
Monika Rucinska
Department of Oncology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Wojska Polskiego 37, 10-228 Olsztyn, Poland
Background and Objectives: In Poland, the rates of morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer are amongst the highest in Europe. A significant percentage of newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer are at an advanced stage. Unfortunately, only about 20% of Polish women take part in cervical cancer screening. The aim of the study was to assess students’ knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and prevention. Materials and Methods: The study was provided to Polish students from various universities and faculties between May 2020 and November 2020. The questionnaire was designed specifically for this study and was validated. The chi-square test was used to compare the responses between subgroups. Results: The study was carried out on a group of 995 students (80.6% women, 19% men, 0.4% no data), (average age 21.9 years). Most students knew that the main risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (82% of all responders; 86% of medical students; 73% of non-medical students; p Conclusions: The Polish students had some knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and primary and secondary prevention. Significantly better knowledge was demonstrated by medical students. Some efforts should be made to ensure that young people, who are not associated with medicine are better educated about cervical cancer in order to reduce the overall incidence and improve early detection rates.
