HPV knowledge and behavioral intention among Indian health science undergraduate students in Ahmadabad, India

Background: Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women; India alone represents one-fifth of the world's cervical cancer burden. This study examines knowledge and preventive behaviors related to HPV and cervical cancer among undergraduate health science students in India, an important approach because current health profession students will lead the way in addressing the prevention and detection of this deadly disease in developing and low-income countries. Methods: Undergraduate health science students at a private Indian university (n=645) completed a paper-and-pencil survey. Univariate and bivariate (chi-square and logistic regression) analyses were tabulated using SPSS 13.0. Results: Seventy-seven (12%) respondents reported seeking preventive health care practices. HPV knowledge was very low (Mean=33.1%). Whereas, 139 responders (21.6%) reported knowing a female diagnosed with cervical cancer with only twenty-four (3.7%) of females reporting having had a Pap test. Among those having heard of the HPV vaccine (n=60; 9.3%), most (n=536; 83.1%) reported that was Very Unlikely/Unlikely that they would vaccinate their daughters. Lastly, 174 (27%) students stated that it is not important at all that their doctor tells them to be vaccinated against HPV. Conclusion: Future efforts should address the low knowledge and rates of preventive behaviors regarding HPV and cervical cancer among Indian health science students as these emerging health professionals will play an important role in decreasing HPV-related morbidity and mortality in India.