"Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Evaluating Female Medical Students' Understanding of HPV Prevention and Cervical Cancer Risk in (Your Regionl"

Abstract

It is possible to avoid cervical cancer by detecting cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition, early on using a Pap smear. Cervical cancer is less
prevalent in countries that have robust screening systems. When it comes to human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer screening, Saudi Arabia
is woefully unprepared. Our objective is to gauge the level of knowledge among female students at Umm Al-Qura University, KSA, about cervical
cancer, PAP smears, and HPV. Additionally, we will look at any obstacles to and opinions on the HPV vaccine. At Umm Al-Qura University (UQU),
Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 479 female students participated in a cross-sectional study by completing an online questionnaire. Of those who took part,
86.4% were familiar with cervical cancer, whereas 40.7% knew about HPV, 30.5% about the vaccination, and 55.1% about Pap tests. Nearly 60% of
those who took part were aware that cervical cancer may be avoided. Of those who needed the HPV vaccination, only 16.5% knew when to get it. With
regard to the PAP smear screening, only 7.1% were aware of when to begin. Getting the HPV vaccination was supported by the majority of people
(72%). Among married women who consented to Pap smears, only 4% had a personal history of cervical cancer, 2.1% had gotten the HPV vaccination,
and 4.4% had actually had one. The number of individuals who demonstrated a high level of expertise was much greater among those specializing in
health sciences (college). Health education and awareness efforts should emphasize the significance of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.