Knowledge regarding Human Papilloma Virus, Related Diseases and Preventive Measures Among Female Undergraduates of a Selected University in Sri Lanka

Background and objective: Increasing awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV), its related diseases and preventive measures among young female population play a major role in reducing the associated health risk This cross-sectional study was aimed to assess knowledge and associated factors regarding human papilloma virus, related diseases and preventive measures among female undergraduates at the University of Ruhuna (UoR), Sri Lanka.

Methods: Female undergraduates (n=400) from five Faculties (Medicine, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Management and Finance and Humanities and Social Sciences) of UoR were included in the study through one-stage cluster sampling. The data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire with 45 statements to assess knowledge. The knowledge score was calculated by assigning one point to a ‘true’ answer and zero point to a ‘false’ and ‘no idea’ answers. The level of knowledge was divided in to three categories as Poor (0 – 15), Average (16 – 30) and Good (31– 45). Descriptive statistics and Chi square/Fishers’ exact test were used for analysis with SPSS Version 25.

Results: The mean±SD knowledge score was 18.49±11.97. Only 38.3% (n=153) of undergraduates had good knowledge while 31.8% (n=127) had average and 30% (n=153) had poor knowledge. Level of knowledge was associated with age (p<0.001), faculty (p<0.001) and academic year (p<0.001). Comparatively high proportion of female undergraduates aged 24-30 years, studying in Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in their final academic years had good level of knowledge compared to the counterparts.

Conclusions: Inadequate knowledge regarding HPV, related disease and preventive measures was seen among female undergraduates of UoR. Level of knowledge was associated with the age, faculty of studying and academic year of the female undergraduates. Educational programmes on HPV and cervical cancers could be promoted among female undergraduates to popularize the related awareness.