Publication: Knowledge Regarding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and its Vaccination among Adolescent Girls in a School of Pokhara, Nepal
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common reproductive tract infections responsible for a variety of cancers and other conditions in both men and women. By the age of 45, it is estimated that more than 80% of sexually active men and women will have contracted at least one HPV infection.
Objective: To assess the knowledge regarding human papillomavirus and its vaccination among adolescent girls in a school of Pokhara.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 142 adolescent girls in a school of Pokhara. The data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Adolescent girls studying in Classes 9 and 10 were selected and proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to determine the number of samples to be taken from each section of both classes. Collected data were analyzed using the SPSS Software. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were used as per the nature of the data.
Results: The mean age of respondent was 14.46±0.896. Majority (53.5%) of the respondents had poor level of knowledge whereas only (46.5%) of the respondents had good level of knowledge human papilloma virus and its vaccination. Factors like age, class of the student and source of information were found to be significantly associated with the respondent’s level of knowledge.
Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of the adolescent girls had poor level of knowledge regarding human papillomavirus and its vaccination. There is an increased need to plan nationwide awareness programs about HPV infection and its associated vaccine targeting adolescent girls and their parents. Also, the government should continue to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination as an essential preventative measure for adolescent girls.
Description
Sabina Lamichhane
Nursing Lecturer, School of Health Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Pokhara Metropolitan City – 30, Kaski, Nepal
Christina Gurung
Nursing Lecturer, School of Health Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Pokhara Metropolitan City – 30, Kaski, Nepal
Keywords
Adolescent girls, HPV vaccination, Human papilloma virus (HPV), Knowledge