Open AccessSurvey on Knowledge and Awareness about Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer in Parents of School-Going Children
Author(s) -
Sanika J. Kotkar,
Priyanka Gokhale
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of health sciences and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2249-9571
DOI - 10.52403/ijhsr.20210904
Subject(s) - medicine , cervical cancer , gardasil , human papilloma virus , cancer , hpv vaccines , papilloma , virus , hpv infection , human papillomavirus , family medicine , gynecology , pathology , virology
Human papilloma virus lesions are known to cause cervical cancer in persons infected by the virus. The incubation time between an oncogenic HPV infection and cervical cancer is 10-15 years hence preventive measures should be taken in adolescent age. HPV vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) reduce the risk of cancerous and precancerous lesion by more than 95%. These vaccines are to be admitted to young children before their sexual debut (11-12 years), since deemed as legal minors, parental consent is required for the administration of the virus. Parental knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV infections plays a vital role in their awareness about the presence of HPV vaccines and their willingness to get their child vaccinated against the same. The study consisted of a pre-validated questionnaire posed before the parents to know their knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer, human papilloma virus and sexual health.Key words: Cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus, knowledge, awareness, school children, cancer.