KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS AND HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS VACCINATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT NAVODAYA MEDICAL COLLEGE RAICHUR KARNATAKA

Background: Cervical cancer is the major health problem in India. It is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common among Indian women. Identication & prevention of precancerous lesions helps to reduce incidence of carcinoma of cervix. Aim: The main aim of the study is to know the awareness & knowledge of HPV vaccine in prevention of cervical cancer among medical students. Materials And Methods: It is a crosssectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 600 medical students. The study included both male and female students studying from 2nd year to nal year & Interns were enrolled and are requested to complete a questionnaire. Results: Among 600 medical students, 356 students (59.3%) were female and 244 (40.7%) were male. In terms of academic year, 25.7% are 2nd year, 29.2% are 3rd year, 28.3% are nal year & 16.8% are Interns. The knowledge regarding HPV Vaccination was found to be poor 21.5% among medical students. Conclusion: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about HPV Virus & its Vaccination. Despite their medical background, many exhibited limited knowledge of the vaccine and low willingness to get vaccinated. The ndings emphasize the importance of targeted educational strategies to increase awareness and promote HPV vaccination to prevent related health complications.