The influence of health education on college students’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding human papillomavirus, vaccination, and cervical cancer: An interventional study

ABSTRACT Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are sexually transmitted and most frequently associated with cervical cancer in women. There is rising evidence of HPV’s role in other cancers, such as anal, vulva, vaginal, penile, and head-and-neck cancers. The HPV vaccine, an effective way to prevent high-risk HPV infection, was approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for females aged 11–26 years. Aims: The present study aimed to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students before and after an educational intervention, as well as to understand the factors associated with HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice. Settings and Design: This intervention study (randomized controlled trial) was conducted at a university in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: The study recruited 270 1 st -year undergraduate female students from a medical science college, of whom 158 completed the study. A 40-item questionnaire covering HPV knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the HPV vaccine was provided to participants before and after the planned health educational intervention. The intervention was carried out with an informative group lecture. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 158 female undergraduate students participated from September to November 2022. In the preintervention phase, HPV knowledge was low, with only 33.8% showing adequate knowledge, and similarly, positive attitudes and favorable practices were seen in 38.1% and 28.3%, respectively. After the educational intervention, a comparison between the control group and the intervention group showed a significant difference in HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: The knowledge levels of participating students regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are inadequate. Therefore, health education demonstrated in this study has shown to be an effective method for increasing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students regarding HPV, cervical cancer, and vaccination among female college students. Further studies are needed to evaluate and standardize HPV education programs in Saudi Arabia.