Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward human papillomavirus infection among undergraduate pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most widespread viral infections that affect the reproductive tract. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward HPV amongst pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective online survey-based study was conducted amongst all second year to final year students enrolled in the pharmacy programme. Results: Female students exhibited better awareness and knowledge (87.2%) compared to male students (12.8%). The majority of respondents (92.8%) had heard about the risk of cervical cancer, with fewer respondents had heard about the HPV vaccine (35.0%). There was high ratification that vaccines help in preventing cervical cancer (64.80%), which is a good response. Conclusion: The pharmacy students showed an average knowledge regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccination. Considerable HPV targeted initiatives related to the offered pharmacy curriculum should be planned and executed to equip future pharmacists with proper knowledge and soft skills to perform their effective role in the prevention of HPV infection.