Sabrina Mullan
Country: Canada
Background - Bachelor of Arts
Research Project: HPV and Cervical Cancer Screening: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Female University Students (aged 18-29) in Mwanza, Tanzania
Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of sexual and reproductive health relating to HPV and Cervical Cancer among female university students (ages 18-29) attending Weill Bugando University College of Health Sciences (WBUCHS) in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Methods: Stratified random sampling techniques were utilised to recruit participants from Weill Bugando University College of Health Sciences (WBUCHS). Quantitative questionnaires were completed by 98 female students between the ages of 18 and 29 years old. Questionnaires were self administered and took approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Results: Findings of this study suggest an overall low level of knowledge surrounding cervical cancer, HPV, their risk factors and screening methods amongst the students attending WBUCHS. While many students knew what cervical cancer was and that it is a serious disease, very few had knowledge of what HPV was, the role HPV played in the development of cervical cancer, and the risk factors associated with HPV infection. Knowledge surrounding Pap smear tests was limited and very few students had ever had a Pap smear test preformed. Findings surrounding risky sexual behaviours revealed that while the students did participate in risky behaviours that would likely place them at higher risk for contracting HPV, they did so at a lower rate when compare to different populations from similar studies.
Conclusions: As HPV and cervical cancer continues to influence the lives and health of thousands of Tanzanian women each year, a number of interventions are required to address the issues encompassing screening services, risky sexual behaviours and knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer amongst university women. By breaking down the barriers that limit knowledge and access to services surrounding HPV and cervical cancer, progression towards reducing the risk of infection and the incidence of cervical cancer may be achieved.
Keywords:
HPV, sexual health, cervical cancer, KAP, university students
Word Count: 10,431