Human papillomavirus (HPV) among youth: a warning sign

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) assumes an important focus in public health care mainly because recognition of its association with cancer, especially cervix cancer. The purpose of this study was to characterize the level of knowledge about HPV infection and preventive practices among youths, with intention to support health care protocols. Descriptive data collection enrolled a self-completion questionnaire, addressed to first and third year health care college students of Campus Baixada Santista of Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP. With age of sexual initiation concentrated between 15 and 17 years old, respondents referred use of preventive methods during the first sexual relation firstly associated to concern about pregnancy and followed by Sexually Transmitted Disease - STD prevention. Restrict knowledge about HPV was referred by the students. Although acquaintance of HPV increased from the first year to the third year, incomprehension was shown regarding its transmission, consequences or prevention. This survey revealed the need for available information regarding characteristics of HPV disease.