Knowledge and Awareness regarding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and vaccination among adolescents aged 14 – 16 years in selected mixed Government Schools in Kesbewa Educational Division, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Abstract:-Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide. It causes cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer type among Sri Lankan women. HPV vaccine has been introduced for early adolescents in preventing HPV. Adequate knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and vaccine is effective in successful prevention. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding HPV infection and vaccination among adolescents aged 14-16 years studied in selected mixed government schools in Kesbewa Educational Division, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 450 male and female adolescents aged 14- 16 years studied in selected mixed government schools in Kesbewa Educational Division using a pre tested selfadministered questionnaire. Results portrayed that, only 139(30.89%) participants had heard of HPV infection before the study. Among them 113(81.3%) had overall poor knowledge regarding HPV infection. The mean knowledge score was 6.01±4.332 with the range of 0-18. Out of all participants, only 137(30.4%) had heard of HPV vaccine before the study and 117(85.4%) of them had overall poor awareness on HPV vaccination. The mean awareness score was 3.12±2.997 with the range of 0-11. Adolescents’ knowledge and awareness on HPV infection and vaccination was statistically significant with parents’ occupation (p=0.000 95%CI). The study concluded that the majority of adolescents had overall poor knowledge and awareness regarding HPV infection and vaccination. It is necessary to implement well-designed, systematic health education interventions to enhance knowledge and awareness regarding HPV infection and vaccination among adolescents.