Knowledge about infection with human papiloma virus among students and teachers from the School of Microbiology at the University of Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: to estimate the level of knowledge on human papillomavirus (hpv) among students and teachers of the School of Microbiology of the University of Antioquia. Methodology: cross-sectional descriptive study. A total amount of 220 students and 35 professors were surveyed. The students were selected by random sampling. Knowledge was measured through a previously validated questionnaire. An analysis of variance identified factors related to level of knowledge. Results: 70% of students showed a low awareness on hvp, 46% knew its modes of transmission and 9% knew about risk factors. The academic curriculum and the academic level were both related to the level of knowledge of students. A total percentage of 34,3% of professors showed low knowledge. Discussion: there is a global lack of knowledge among both students and professors about the modes of transmission, the prevention and the causes for hpv. In pursuit of the benefits of primary prevention of this virus, it is necessary to implement educational campaigns to raise awareness of people about it.

Keywords

• human papillomavirus
• cervical cancer
• knowledge