Labadiari Maria
Aim: To explore the knowledge of a Nursing department’s female students regarding HPV vaccine awareness and to associate this knowledge with socioeconomic factors, as well as with previous Pap smear (Pap test) carrying out. The receptivity to vaccination against HPV was also investigated. Material and method: One hundred and ten female ATEI nursing students, aged 18-54 years, attending courses of the fifth and sixth semester, were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire with closed-ended questions regarding cervical cancer and its prevention possibilities. Results: 64% of female students were aware of the HPV vaccine, whereas less than half of women were aware of the HPV test. >20years of age and prior carrying out of Pap smear were positively correlated with HPV vaccine awareness. Conclusions: Knowing of HPV vaccine among nursing students is inadequate. A prior carrying out of Pap smear increases the possibility of HPV vaccine awareness. Nursing students’ familiarization with the existing prevention programs is considered necessary.
