The Influence of Health Education on Vaccination Coverage and Knowledge of the School Population Related to Vaccination and Infection Caused by the Human Papillomavirus

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of infections and cancers of the reproductive and digestive tract, and vaccination is the most effective prevention method. This research aimed to assess the impact of health education on vaccination coverage and knowledge of the school population related to HPV infection and vaccination. Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial included 170 participants out of the 221 students in the generation of 2022/2023, who were divided into a group of Subjects and Controls and who self-assessed their knowledge and tested knowledge at four and two time points, respectively. Results: The study examined whether there is a difference in the share of vaccinated students of the entire generation compared to the previous generation (62% vs. 47%). The self-assessment and assessment of one’s knowledge in the group of subjects was significantly lower before education than during other time points during the research. At “moment zero”, there was no significant difference in the knowledge assessment between the groups. However, after 8 weeks, the knowledge assessment was significantly higher in the Subject group. Conclusions: The results suggest a positive impact of health education, which may contribute to raising awareness about the importance of prevention and vaccination against HPV.

Keywords

• health education
• human papillomavirus (HPV)
• knowledge
• vaccination