Analysis of Knowledge Level in Brazilian Students about Human Papillomavirus Infection and Development of Penile Cancer

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV), belonging to the Papovavirida family, is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) agent worldwide. In Brazil, it is estimated that there are 3-6 million people infected with HPV. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of young male students about penis cancer related to HPV infection. Methods: This exploratory and quantitative study was conducted to analyze answers of 242 male students attending a private college located in Uberaba city, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, during 2015. Results: Most of the 242 participants (88.8%) affirmed having started sexual life very early, the majority (79.3%) were currently married and 69.8% had a single sexual partner. Regardless of their knowledge about HPV virus and its relationship with penis cancer, our data showed a general lack of awareness of the participants. Conclusion: Our results suggest that despite efforts to propagate information about HPV infection and its relation to penis cancer, the level of knowledge of students is low. Because of that, it is important to improve the information spread by media, emphasizing prevention and treatment of HPV infection in men.

Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP. 2017 May 01*** epublish ***

George Kemil Abdalla, Emanuella Francisco Fajardo, Bruno Belmonte Martinelli Gomes, Thiago Mantello Bianco, Ana Karina Marques Salge, Eduardo Elias Vieira de Carvalho, Marlize Moura Dos Reis, Dayana Pousa Siqueira Abrahão, Douglas Reis Abdalla

Department of Health Science, Faculty of Human Talent, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Zip Code: 38100-000, Brazil. Email: