Human papillomavirus knowledge and awareness among undergraduates in healthcare training in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To describe knowledge of HPV and its transmission, knowledge of the HPV vaccine, and awareness of free HPV vaccine for 12-18 year old New Zealand females; and to assess whether there are significant age and gender differences in HPV-related knowledge.


METHODS
Undergraduate university students were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire, after viewing a brief HPV vaccine TV commercial.


RESULTS
Compared to 19 year olds, 18 years olds were more likely to have heard of HPV (OR=3.78; 95%CI=1.66-8.65) and the HPV vaccine (OR=3.94; 95%CI=1.85-8.39), know about sexual transmission of HPV (OR=2.79; 95%CI=1.34-5.77), and be aware of the free HPV vaccine (OR=4.00; 95%CI=1.81-8.84). Participants who knew someone ever diagnosed with cervical cancer were more likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine (OR=2.98; 95%CI=1.09-8.13). Male participants were less likely to be aware of the free vaccine (OR=0.16; 95%CI=0.07-0.40).


CONCLUSIONS
Average levels of basic knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine most likely represent minimal awareness as more specific knowledge on sexual transmission of HPV is low. HPV vaccination should be complimented with public education on the link between sexual behaviour, HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Chelimo
Carol
C
Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Wouldes
Trecia A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D013336:Students, Health Occupations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines