Knowledge of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and prevention among first-year female students in residences at the University of the Free State
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Knowledge of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and prevention among first-year female students in residences at the University of the Free State | |
| Creator | Mofolo, Nathaniel Sello, Maarasi Leselo, Moleboheng Chabanku, Naledi Ndlovu, Samke Naidoo, Quandry Joubert, Gina | |
| Description | Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in South Africa. One of the major risk factors for the development of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV).Aim: To determine the knowledge of first-year female students living in residences on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) regarding cervical cancer and HPV.Setting: Female residences on the main campus of UFS.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on participants between the ages of 18 and 25 years using a non-random convenience sampling method. Seven residences were included. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed during the eveningmeetings to all first-year female students at the selected residences after an information session.Students had to complete the questionnaires immediately after the meeting.Results: Most of the 373 respondents (85.8%) knew that cervical cancer arises from the cervix, but only 15.4% knew that it was caused by a virus. Of the 62.5% participants who knew that HPV was a cancer-causing virus, most correctly knew that HPV was contracted by unprotected sexual intercourse (81.1%) and that there is a vaccine to protect against HPV (73.1%). However, 62.0% knew that the vaccine was available in South Africa and only 31.0% knew the vaccine was free of charge.Conclusion: The study revealed that students had limited knowledge of cervical cancer, HPVand vaccine availability. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2018-05-24 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/phcfm.v10i1.1637 | |
| Source | African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Vol 10, No 1 (2018); 5 pages 2071-2936 2071-2928 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1637/2537
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1637/2536
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1637/2538
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1637/2511
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