Analysis of Knowledge Level in Brazilian Students about Human Papillomavirus Infection and Development of Penile Cancer

Abdalla, George Kemil; Fajardo, Emanuella Francisco; Martinelli Gomes, Bruno Belmonte; Bianco, Thiago Mantello; Marques Salge, Ana Karina; Vieira De Carvalho, Eduardo Elias; Dos Reis, Marlize Moura; Siqueira Abrahão, Dayana Pousa; Reis Abdalla, Douglas

doi:10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.5.1371

Analysis of Knowledge Level in Brazilian Students about Human Papillomavirus Infection and Development of Penile Cancer

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Health Science, Faculty of Human Talent, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Zip Code: 38100-000, Brazil

² Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Zip code: 05508-220, Brazil

³ Department of Clinical Oncology, Stem Cells and Celular Therapy, Medicine Faculty of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Zip code: 05508-220, Brazil.

⁴ Nursing School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Zip Code: 74605-080, Brazil

10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.5.1371

Abstract

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV), belonging to the Papovavirida family, is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) agent worldwide. In Brazil, it is estimated that there are 3-6 million people infected with HPV. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of young male students about penis cancer related to HPV infection. Methods: This exploratory and quantitative study was conducted to analyze answers of 242 male students attending a private college located in Uberaba city, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, during 2015. Results: Most of the 242 participants (88.8%) affirmed having started sexual life very early, the majority (79.3%) were currently married and 69.8% had a single sexual partner. Regardless of their knowledge about HPV virus and its relationship with penis cancer, our data showed a general lack of awareness of the participants. Conclusion: Our results suggest that despite efforts to propagate information about HPV infection and its relation to penis cancer, the level of knowledge of students is low. Because of that, it is important to improve the information spread by media, emphasizing prevention and treatment of HPV infection in men.

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