Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices among the Female Students Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccination in Jazan University

Abstract Background: Cancer is the dreadful disease in the world. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer, which affects women. Cervical cancer (CC) can be prevented if one goes to regular screening and if it is diagnosed early. In western countries the women undergo for regular screening test for cervical cancer. In Saudi Arabia the campaign for breast cancer is more than the cervical cancer. Human papilloma virus is the main cause for cervical cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 is the major virus which causes Cervical cancer. PAP smear screening is the one of the important screening test which is used to prevent cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus vaccines (bivalent (BV) and quadrivalent (QV)) are the one of the very highly effective vaccine which is used in preventing cervical cancer. The objective of this research was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among the female students of Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among the female students of various colleges of Jazan University. All together 397 female students of Applied Medical College, Nursing College, Science College, Pharmacy college and Public Health college participated in this study. The objective of this research will be explained to the female students and through a questionnaire, knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer, screening, symptoms, risk factors, and vaccination will be assessed. Data was analyzed through SPSS and presented using graphs and tables. Results: The research will identify the respondent’s percentage of awareness about the cervical screening, symptoms, risk factors and knowledge of HPV vaccination. Students from Science College are comparatively having poor knowledge about cervical cancer. The students of science and public health are not having much awareness about HPV vaccination. About the Screening, 3% from Public Health College, 7% from Science College, 17% from nursing college, 10% from Pharmacy College, 13% from applying medical college have known. This research shows that Knowledge and attitude of females in Jazan University about Cervical Cancer and diits preventive measures were nearly adequate in medical oriented colleges than other college, but their practice was deficient in the entire group.