Abstract

Background and Aims:
Carcinoma of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, while it is the commonest cancer among Indian women. Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are found highest in low and middle-income countries. Adolescent girls and young women are at risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that can lead to cervical cancer later in life. Awareness regarding cervical cancer and its prevention is quite low amongst Indian women. The study was conducted to assess knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine among school-going adolescent girls in Delhi, India.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study regarding knowledge of HPV vaccine was conducted among the school going adolescent girls of Delhi, India. A structured questionnaire with multiple choices was used for data collection. SPSS statistical software was used to generate statistical parameters like proportion, mean, standard deviation, etc. .
Results:
The survey sample consisted of 187 school going girls aged between 13-18 years with a mean age of 15.2 ± 1.2 years. Majority (82%) of students had heard of cervical cancer; symptoms were known to less than half (41.9%) of the students. Only thirty-one percent girls were aware regarding HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer was correctly answered by 5.3% of study participants. Higher grade level was significantly associated with better awareness (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Knowledge of cervical cancer among young girls is low and poor in this current study setting. Strengthening school-based educational interventions is urgently needed to support India’s national cervical cancer prevention strategies.

Key words: Cervical cancer, HPV, HPV vaccine