Conhecimento de alunos de Escola Pública da Cidade do Recife-PE a respeito do vírus HPV e sua vacina

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent of one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are more than 100 types of HPV and about 18 types cause cervical cancer. It usually causes lesions and warts in the anogenital and mucosal regions, where contact with them results in their transmission. The contamination and development of cervical cancer can be avoided through the use of condoms in sexual intercourse, gynecological examinations and, especially, the vaccination of the appropriate age group of up to 13 years. Many young people are unaware of the existence of the vaccine and thereby increase the rate of the disease. This study aims to know and evaluate the level of clarification of adolescents about HPV virus infection and its vaccine. The study was carried out in a public school in the city of Recife / PE. The data collection was done through the application of a questionnaire during the class time. The sample consisted of 125 middle and high school students, the majority of whom were between 14 and 16 years of age. It has been observed that most people know little or know nothing about HPV and that they have a misconception about the ways of transmitting the virus, mistaken for the HIV virus. From the obtained data it was possible to conclude that of the adolescents who were not immunized, most of them did not know that they could be vaccinated or did not have the opportunity. Thus, it is necessary for the school and the family to discuss sex education, as well as to increase health education campaigns.