Knowledge of female students regarding the human papilloma virus (HPV) and vaccines at selected University in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that is transmitted sexually. It can be spread through genital contact and can also be transmitted through skin to skin contact. HPV if not detected and treated early may lead to fatal complications such as cervical cancer and breast cancer. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge of female students regarding HPV and vaccines at a selected University, in the Limpopo Province South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative approach using cross sectional descriptive design was used to determine the knowledge of female students regarding the HPV and vaccines. A probability sampling method was used to sample the 310 respondents by means of systematic sampling. Data was collected by means of a self- administered questionnaire. Validity was ensured through face and content validity. The Test-retest method of reliability was ensured and the Cronbach Alpha test was 0.839. Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version: 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize collected data and results was presented in forms of tables and charts. The Chi square was used to determine the relationship between marital status, school or faculty and knowledge regarding HPV and vaccine. Results: The study comprised of 310 (100%) respondents and out of that sample, 176 (56.8%) of the respondents had never heard about the HPV whilst 134 (43.2%) have heard about the HPV and vaccines. Only 6 (1.9%) of the respondents knew that anal cancer is one of the health problems related to the HPV. Out of 310 respondents 48 (15.5%) heard about HPV and vaccines from their school or faculty. Furthermore, results of the study indicate that there is a positive relationship between school or faculty and source of information regarding HPV (P value= 0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that the female students at the selected University lack knowledge regarding the HPV and vaccines. Recommendation: Higher education and training institutions should revise their curriculum, the National Department of Health should modify their guidelines, policies and programmes regarding HPV management.