Knowledge and Beliefs about HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening among Egyptian Female University Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assisstant Professor of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.

2 Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Damietta faculty of medicine, Al-Azhar University

3 Department of Community Medicine, faculty of medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: The combination of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and Pap smear testing can provide the greatest protection against cervical cancer. Objectives: to assess knowledge and health beliefs of Egyptian female university students about these preventive services. Methods: An online survey was conducted on 1148 participants during July and August 2023 using an Arabic, self-administrated, close ended questionnaire covering factors influencing the adoption of cervical cancer preventive behaviors using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Results: only 2% of participants had received HPV vaccine while none of them had undergone Pap smear screening. They had a total knowledge score of 53.8%, only 62.7% considered themselves at risk for cervical cancer, only 50% perceived severity of cervical cancer and the benefits of preventive methods. Perceived barriers to obtain HPV vaccine and a Pap smear test was 53% versus 42.1% respectively. A common barrier to obtain both services was unknown service places (3.4± 0.9, 50% for HPV vaccination versus 3.2± 0.5, 37% for a Pap smear testing). The cues to obtain both services were after doctor advice (62%), when becoming mandatory (53%) and after family advice (53%). The self-efficacy to obtain HPV vaccine and a Pap smear test were 42.7% versus 37.8% respectively. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and low scores of all HBM constructs except perceived barriers regarding cervical cancer preventive services among Egyptian female university students should guide effective interventions such as marketing to these services though physicians, incorporating HPV vaccination into national immunization program and Pap smear screening into reproductive health program.

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