Assessing Cervical Cancer and HPV Awareness in Pakistan's Medical College Students Pursuing Healthcare Careers
HPV Awareness
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Background. Cervical cancer incidence is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), accounting for nearly 80% of cases worldwide. The circumstances in Pakistan are to a great extent obscure due to a lack of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and the lack of screening programs at population level. HPV screening is unavailable in many regions of Pakistan, and Pap smear testing is rarely performed even in gynecological clinics. Recently, the frequency of HPV has risen extensively in Pakistan.
Methods. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness level of HPV, the attitude towards HPV vaccine, and screening of HPV among students of ten medical colleges across Pakistan. The study was a self‐administered questionnaire‐based survey. A total of 4007 questionnaires were collected and analyzed from medical students studying at different colleges in Pakistan.
Results. The current study revealed a significant lack of knowledge and awareness concerning HPV among medical students in Pakistan as well as low screening rate of (11.1 %) due to many barriers. In the absence of cervical screening program, cancer of cervix remains a major health problem.
Conclusion. Education initiatives in Pakistani schools remain crucial to raise awareness on HPV and promote HPV screening, especially among medical students, who represent the country's future and healthcare system.
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References
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