SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN THE EXTREME SOUTH OF BAHIA REGARDING HPV AND CERVICAL CANCER

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a vector of sexually transmitted infection (STI) which, when integrated into the DNA of a healthy cell, alters its ribonucleic composition, producing oncogenic-level changes and leading to the development of cervical neoplasia. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge of female undergraduate students from a higher education institution in the Extreme South of Bahia regarding cervical neoplasia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A field study with mixed descriptive analysis was conducted using an online questionnaire, followed by parametric statistical analysis using the arithmetic mean. The study complied with sanitary protocols and respected Resolution 466/2012 and Circular Letter No. 02/2021, which authorize online research. The sample size consisted of 51 students. The arithmetic mean (AM) age of the participants was 23.28 years. The health sciences area represented the largest proportion of participants; being single and having an income of one to four minimum wages accounted for 75.5%. Approximately 95.30% of the students reported knowledge about HPV, and 88% were aware of the Papanicolaou test. Among the total participants, only one case (5.9%) reported no knowledge of a history of cervical neoplasia. Given the direct correlation between HPV and cervical cancer, there is a need to address this topic in the academic environment, prioritizing preventive methods such as condom use and performance of the Papanicolaou test, in order to promote scientific discussion.