Background/Purpose Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) affects the genital, throat, and mouths of males and females. Although a vaccine is available, confusion exists regarding the risk and preventive behaviors associated with HPV. This study assessed the knowledge of the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of HPV among college students.
Method A 23-item questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge of HPV among 940 undergraduate students enrolled in a health class. The score of the knowledge questions represented the number of correct answers out of 15.
Analysis/Results The average knowledge score for participants was 11.98 (SD = 2.19). A significant difference with regard to knowledge was found for race, F (4, 932) = 9.58, p = .0001. Post hoc analysis using Duncan's test revealed that those who classified themselves as Other (Indian, Bicultural) scored significantly higher (M = 12.50) when compared to those who classified themselves as Asian (M = 11.10) and Hispanic (M = 11.24). A significant difference was found for time since last Pap smear, F (2, 597) = 4.88, p = .008. Post hoc analysis using Duncan's test determined that those who had a Pap smear within the last year scored significantly higher (M = 12.28) than those who had a Pap smear but not within the last year (M = 11.56).
Conclusions Although the HPV vaccine is available, variances in knowledge exist among specific target populations and among females receiving pap smears. STI prevention in the college student population needs to be proactive targeting the cultural needs of minority populations.
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