Knowledge of human papillomavirus and self-sampling, including vaccination practices among female students in Free State, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, remain highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, despite the availability of preventive measures such as vaccination and self-sampling screening, due to limited HPV awareness. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccination practices, and HPV self-sampling awareness and perceptions among female students at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Methods

Data were collected from female university students through a self-administered questionnaire distributed via the secure web-based platform Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). HPV infection and vaccination knowledge were measured using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledg

SUBMITTER: Tiiti TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12630182 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature