Avaliação do conhecimento de jovens adultos sobre o vírus do papiloma humano e cancro do colo do útero

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with around 95% of cervical cancer cases being due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The level of knowledge of the population is essential to design the best intervention strategy aiming to reduce the prevalence of the infection and, consequently, the incidence and mortality due to CC. Therefore, the aim of this work is to determine the level of knowledge of young adults, of both sexes, about HPV infection and CC and to verify whether the sex, education and sexual orientation influence their level of knowledge. Methodology: This is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study, with a questionnaire applied to a sample of 274 young adults of both sexes, between 18 and 26 years of age. Data processing and statistical analysis were carried out using Microsoft Excel® and SPSS® v. 28.0. Results: It was found that 72% (n = 198) of respondents had already heard of HPV and CC. Of these, 56% (n = 111) were aware of the existence of HPV vaccines. Mean knowledge scores on HPV, CC and vaccination were calculated. It was found that, in general, females demonstrated greater knowledge about HPV and CC, with statistically significant differences in the level of knowledge between both sexes. Regarding the influence of education level on knowledge about HPV and CC, no statistically significant differences were found between higher education and education levels up to the 12th grade. Regarding sexual orientation, it was found that heterosexual individuals have greater knowledge about HPV compared to homosexuals or bisexuals. However, no differences were found between these two groups in terms of knowledge about CC. Apart from the answers provided by females, the overall level of knowledge about HPV and CC was considered insufficient (< 50% correct answers). Regarding knowledge about HPV vaccination, there was a sufficient level, with no significant differences between the various groups analyzed. Conclusion: Although a large part of the analyzed population has already heard of HPV and CC, their knowledge on the subject is insufficient, making it mandatory to outline health education strategies, aiming at preventing the infection and consequently reducing the number of cases of cervical cancer.