Knowledge, Beliefs and Vaccination Status of Nursing Students about Human Papilloma Virus

Objective: Human papilloma virus (HPV-Human Papilloma Virus) is a small, non-enveloped double-stranded DNA virus from the Papilo mavirada family. This study was conducted to determine the effect of HPV on the knowledge, beliefs and vaccination status of first and fourth year nursing students. Method: Data were collected by personal information form, health belief model scale about human papillomavirus infection and vaccination, and human papillomavirus knowledge scale. Results: The mean perceived benefit score of the students participating in the study was 2.4±0.7 in the first grade and 3.1±0.7 in the fourth grade. The mean perceived sensitivity score was 2.3 ± 0.6 in the first grade and 2.8±0.7 in the fourth grade. The mean perceived severity score was 2.5±0.6 in the first grade and 2.8±0.7 in the fourth grade. The mean perceived barrier score was equal and 2.1±0.4 in all groups. The HPV knowledge scale scores of the students participating in the study consisted of 4 sub-dimensions. The mean score of the general HPV knowledge scale was 4.79±5.6 in the first grade and 16.71±7.9 in the fourth grade. The mean score of HPV screening tests was 3.3±3.7 in the first grade and 9.9±4.0 in the fourth grade. The mean HPV screening test score was 0.4±0.8 in the first grade and 2±1.7 in the fourth grade. The mean score for general HPV vaccination knowledge was 0.7±1.3 in the first grade and 2.8±1.7 in the fourth grade. The mean score for knowledge of HPV vaccination programs was 0.2±0.6 in the first grade and 1.8±1.7 in the fourth grade. Conclusion: In the fight against cervical cancers, which is an important public health problem, the level of HPV knowledge should be high in order for the nursing profession to fulfil all of its education, counselling, guidance, protection and immunisation functions.