Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes about Human Papilloma Virus among Female tertiary students in South Africa

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and vaccine of female university students and to determine the predictors of vaccine acceptability. The study found that 70% of the participants were sexually active. Awareness and knowledge on HPV/vaccine were poor; with only 22% being aware of HPV and that a HPV vaccine was available in South Africa. A greater proportion (80%) reported willingness to be vaccinated. Being aware of the existence of a pap smear, higher knowledge about HPV, higher perceived vaccine effectiveness and higher perceived severity of HPV infection were significantly associated with increased willingness to be vaccinated.