Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and awareness of medical faculty students about human papilloma virus Medical faculty students HPV; Knowledge level; Awareness; Vaccine

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels and awareness of medical students about the diagnosis, transmission routes and prevention methods of Human Papiiloma Virus (HPV), which is very common worldwide. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 4th grade medical faculty students in the 2019-2020 academic year. A brief sociodemographic information form, an information form on general knowledge, diagnosis, contamination routes, and methods of HPV prevention, and a questionnaire on HPV awareness levels were applied to the students. Results: The average age of the students was 22.31 +/- 1.3 (19-30) years; 44.5% (n 89) of the students were female and 55.5% (n = 111) were male. Among the students, 84% had information about the diseases caused by the virus, transmission routes, prevention and diagnostic methods. The correct response rate of students to knowledge questions was 84.4% for women and 82.7% for men (p = 0.042). It was found that students' levels of knowledge about HPV protection methods and especially vaccines were lower than their knowledge about diagnosis and transmission. Discussion: In this study, it was found that the general knowledge level of medical school students about HPV was high, but their knowledge about prevention and vaccination was low. Medical school students should be encouraged to increase their knowledge and get vaccinated, and importance should be given to HPV vaccination training.