Knowledge about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection among Adolescent Girls in a Selected Girls School in Enayetpur, Sirajganj
TL;DR
Adolescent girls in this school had reasonable awareness of HPV infection and vaccination but demonstrated gaps in knowledge regarding transmission and preventive behaviors, which are recommended to reduce future HPV-related disease burden in Bangladesh.
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and the leading cause of cervical cancer globally. In Bangladesh, cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, and HPV vaccination has been introduced to reduce disease burden. Despite vaccination programs, awareness and knowledge about HPV infection and prevention among adolescents remain variable. Objective(s): To assess the knowledge about HPV infection, its transmission, associated diseases, and preventive measures, including vaccination, among adolescent girls in a selected girls’ school in Enayetpur, Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Meher-Un-Nessa Girls’ High School, Enayetpur, from July to December 2024. A total of 130 students from classes VIII, IX, and X were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Findings were presented using tables and graphs. Results: The majority of respondents were 14–15 years old (83.8%) and predominantly from nuclear families (68.5%). Most respondents (77.7%) correctly identified cervical cancer as an HPV-related disease, though misconceptions were present, such as 67.7% incorrectly mentioning cold and cough. Regarding HPV transmission, 52.3% identified sexual contact, while 66.2% mentioned physical touch. Awareness of the HPV vaccine was high (97.7%), but only 41.5% reported having received it. Concerning prevention, 84.6% recognized vaccination, 76.2% mentioned health education, and 50.0% cited safe behavior, while 17.7% did not know preventive measures. Conclusion: Adolescent girls in this school had reasonable awareness of HPV infection and vaccination but demonstrated gaps in knowledge regarding transmission and preventive behaviors. Targeted school-based health education programs emphasizing accurate information and vaccine uptake are recommended to reduce future HPV-related disease burden in Bangladesh. KYANCJ 2026; 07 (01): 12-16