Assessment of the impact of the educational programme ‘Choose Life – First Step’ on the level of knowledge of HPV virus among children attending secondary school

Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2013, Vol 19, Issue 2

Abstract

Background and the aim of the study: HPV infection is a frequent sexually-transmitted disease, and the human papillomavirus infection may originate the development of cervical carcinoma. The aim of the study was to assess the level of adolescents’ knowledge concerning HPV virus, and the effectiveness of the ‘Choose Life – First Step’ educational programme. Materials and Methods: The study covered 250 adolescents, and was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire (14 close-ended questions), was completed twice – before and after carrying out the educational programme STATISTICA 9.0, p<0.05. results: The replies to 12 out of 14 questions demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge after performance of the programme. As many as 68% of respondents recognized HPV as the main cause of cervical carcinoma. After the programme – nearly all adolescents provided the correct answer. Before the programme, 54% of respondents indicated that an early age of sexual initiation constitutes one of the factors that increases the risk of the development of cervical carcinoma, compared to 96% after carrying out the programme. Previously, 31% knew that a condom does not fully protect against HPV infection, while after the programme – 57% provided the correct answer. Conclusions: 1. The level of knowledge of HPV virus among a study group secondary students is low. 2. The study conducted after carrying out the ‘Choose Life – First Step’ educational programme demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge concerning the risk of HPV infection, development of cervical carcinoma, and prophylaxis. 3. The study results indicate the high effectiveness of the programme; therefore, efforts should be undertaken to improve the awareness of adolescents through an increase in the number of educational activities. 4. For the holistic assessment of the effectiveness of the programme, it is advisable to verify adolescents’ knowledge after a few months or a year following their participation in the programme.

Authors and Affiliations

Joanna Gotlib, Elżbieta Czupryńska

Keywords

Related Articles

Smoking by students – scale of the problem

[b]introduction and aim of the research[/b]Tobacco smoking is among the most serious contemporary civilization threats, and the struggle with it has become one of the priorities of the EU public health system. According...

Diagnostics and treatment of a paqtient with chronic diarhhea in the practice of a family physician

Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose stools that last for at least four weeks. A wide range of conditions can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel d...

A typical hemolytic uremic syndrome – case report

Introduction. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. HUS is the most common cause of acute renal failure among children. HUS can be divided into ty...

Hyperkalemia – how to protect your patient? Case report

Hyperkalemia is a side effect which is often observed in clinical practice. Knowledge of the causes and symptoms of hyperkalemia is extremely important due to the fact that hyperkalemia may be life-threatening. The risk...

Analysis of the sources of knowledge concerning family planning among women in the Lodz area

[b]Aim[/b]: The main aim of the research was analysis of the sources of knowledge about conscious preparation for motherhood of women aged 17–35 living in a big urban agglomeration. [b]Materials and methods[/b]: The rese...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP69737
  • DOI -
  • Views 107
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Joanna Gotlib, Elżbieta Czupryńska (2013). Assessment of the impact of the educational programme ‘Choose Life – First Step’ on the level of knowledge of HPV virus among children attending secondary school. Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu, 19(2), 206-210. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-69737