Awareness of HPV Infection and its Relationship to Cervical Cancer in Medical Students of Karachi, Pakistan

A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of awareness among medical students about HPV, its vaccines and its relation to cervical cancer

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted at Creek General Hospital, Karachi from March 2020 to November 2021 after IRB approval from United Medical and Dental College. Data was collected from undergraduate MBBS students via an online questionnaire.

Results: Total participants in the study were 219. Age range was between 18 and 26 years. A majority (82%) of medical students were aware of the causal relationship between HPV and cervical carcinoma. Only 53% of students had the knowledge for the need for regular pap smear. Students confessed about lack of knowledge regarding HPV and its preventive measures with 82% of students admitting to having gaps in their knowledge.

Conclusion: The study brings us to the conclusion that the current medical curriculum is not fortified and hence the medical students are unaware about the diagnostic and preventive strategies of cervical cancer which is a good gap in their clinical career.