Pamukkale University Medical Faculty Students' Knowledge Level of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level of Human Papilloma Virus infection and Human Papilloma Virus vaccine among medical students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among Pamukkale University Medical Faculty students between May and June 2019. The universe of our study consisted of 1129 students in the 1-5th grades. A questionnaire with 17 questions consisting of questions determining the level of knowledge about Human Papilloma Virus infection and vaccine developed by scanning the literature and socio-demographic data was applied to the students. Results: Of the 780 medical students who participated in the study, 91% knew Human Papilloma Virus and 85.6% knew about the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine. Knowing the Human Papilloma Virus vaccination of female students, getting vaccinated if possible, recommending them to their relatives and thinking that they should be included in the national vaccination schedule were significantly higher than male students. Also significant differences were found between the classes knowing the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, having the vaccine if possible, recommending it to their relatives and thinking about taking part in the national vaccination schedule, especially with being in the 2nd grade and above. The rate of students vaccinated with Human Papilloma Virus was 2.1% and the most common reasons for not being vaccinated were not being at risk, not having enough information about the vaccine and its cost. Conclusion: We determined that knowledge of Human Papilloma Virus infection and Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, was high among medical students but the rate of vaccination was low. The reasons for not receiving vaccination included not feeling at risk, not having enough information and high cost. Keywords: HPV vaccines, medical students, knowledge