Abstract

Knowledge of HPV, HPV-Induced Cancers, and HPV Vaccine among a Sample of Freshmen in a Northwestern Nigeria Monotechnic

Author(s):Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi, Mike Eghosa Ogbeide, Omotayo Francis Fagbule, Taiwo Oyebamiji Isola, Precious Ayomide Kanmodi, Ishaq Kayode Lawal, Semeeh Akinwale Omoleke and Obi Chidebere

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a notorious virus that is responsible for some cancers in the human body. This study aims to explore the knowledge of a sample of freshmen of the Sultan Abdur-Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa, Sokoto State, Nigeria, on HPV, HPV-induced cancers and HPV vaccines. Methods: This study surveyed 224 freshmen of the Sultan Abdur-Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa, on HPV, HPVinduced cancers and HPV vaccines, using a paper questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 Software. Results: The mean (± SD) age of the surveyed freshmen was 22.04 (± 3.42) years. Only 65 (29.0%) of them had ever heard of HPV and the top three sources of their knowledge of the virus were doctor/nurse (16/65), TV/ radio/magazine (15/65), and parents (9/65). However, the majority of those respondents who claimed awareness of HPV lacked adequate knowledge about the virus and the vaccine. Conclusion: They exists a very low awareness rate of HPV, HPV-induced cancers and HPV vaccines among the surveyed freshmen of the Sultan Abdur-Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

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