KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ABOUT THE PREVENTION OF UTERINE CERVICAL CANCER

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young university students about the prevention of cervical cancer. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study using the CAP-type survey methodology (knowledge, attitudes and practice). The data collection instrument was a Google forms form. 105 university students from Design, Law, and Engineering courses participated in the study: environmental, civil, electrical, mechanical and production. Most academics are aware of the preventive examination, the influence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of cervical cancer and were aware of the prevention of the disease through immunization. Regarding attitudes towards the prevention of cervical cancer, it was evidenced that 12% of the participants seek a health professional when they experience any symptoms, 57% seek it every 1 year, and 31% have never taken the preventive. About the practice regarding the treatment performed after the preventive when necessary, 47% of the university students never needed to undergo treatment based on the result, 37% answered that they did not undergo treatment and 16% underwent any treatment. 28% of university students said they had completed the full treatment and 72% did not complete the treatment. It is concluded that in the university environment, it is essential to make the guidance on preventive care a daily practice, as it is represented by a young public with an active sexual life, making education in women's health necessary to improve the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to prevention.