Human Papillomavirus: A Gender-Based Report on the Knowledge of College Students in Northern Greece

Title: This study was performed to evaluate the level of basic knowledge of students in Northern Greece regarding human papillomavirus matters, considering each gender’s aspect. Background: In every society it is fundamental that young adults should receive proper education for all Sexual Transmitted Diseases. This study aims on highlighting the necessity of aggressive campaigns, for informing students on HPV. Via a short survey, we performed a key evaluation of the knowledge of students to conclude on whether campaigns for informing students on HPV should be organized by the state. Methods and Findings: A questionnaire type of survey was undertaken to evaluate the level of basic knowledge of the sample regarding HPV. The questionnaire comprised of 11 questions. The first two questions were to determine specific characteristics of the sample; the third was about the participant’s belief of being well educated on HPV, while the rest of them were to evaluate their actual knowledge of the activity, pathogenesis and the national vaccination program against HPV. Five hundred sixty-one students of Northern Greece participated in the study (398 females and 161 males). Regarding their knowledge on HPV, most of the participants declared to be well informed with a rate of 76.1%. Indicatively, it appeared to be an independence regarding gender (p=0.44) about whether HPV can cause cancer to both sexes. As to vaccination, 50.7% of the participants, regardless gender, believed that HPV vaccine is effective on men (p=0.34). Conclusion: Students in Northern Greece seemed to be insufficiently informed about the general activity of HPV, pathogenicity, and vaccine’s effectiveness (p=0.00001). Similar surveys should be launched in the whole country for a proper evaluation to be obtained. The outcome of these studies could be rather beneficial in organizing educational campaigns for students of Greece and, if it is needed, to other countries as well.