Evaluation of Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer among Female Undergraduates of a Private Mission University in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus infection is most prevalent in the younger population and causes cervical cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In 2018, cervical cancer was estimated to be 570,000 cases and 311,000 deaths; it ranked as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women. Cervical cancer can be prevented through health education and vaccination against HPV. This study aimed at evaluating the level of awareness of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer among female undergraduate students of Babcock University, Ogun state of Nigeria. ually transmitted. There was poor knowledge of the risk factors of HPV infection. Only, 65 (21.0%) were aware that HPV infection causes cervical cancer. A few proportions of students 79 (25.4%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. Consequently, only 44 (14.2%) have received HPV vaccination and some complained about the cost as a significant reason for not being vaccinated against HPV infection. Conclusion: The level of awareness of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine uptake was very low in this study. There is a need to improve health education and awareness campaigns among students about HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine uptake.