Report Title

Students' Knowledge Regarding the Dynamics of HPV at Secular and Christian Colleges

Collective Title

Master of Physician Assistant Research Reports 2005

Abstract

Purpose: No studies have been identified that analyze the association between religious affiliation and college students' awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its possible consequences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of HPV and the type of college (Christian or secular) a student attends. Methods: The study sample included 195 college students, 18 years of age or older, attending either La Sierra University, Loma Linda University, San Bernardino Valley College, or University of La Verne. The survey assessed six areas of know ledge of HPV including general know ledge, natural history and symptoms, risk and transmission, sequelae and consequences, the role of Pap smears and viral detection, and treatment of HPV. The survey consisted of 31 questions with response categories based on a five-point Likert scale. Results: Forty percent of the students were Seventh-day Adventist, 23% were nondenominational Christians, and 17% were Catholics. Only 29% of the respondents indicated they knew how HPV is transmitted and only 23% of the students were familiar with the risk factors of contracting HPV. The majority of college students are poorly educated about the risk factors and routes of transmission ofHPV. Forty-five percent of students surveyed were not aware that HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact. Students attending Christian colleges had more knowledge regarding HPV than students at secular colleges (p=.02). Conclusion: Results of this study indicated a significant lack of knowledge among college students regarding the risks of transmission of HPV, the relationship between Pap smears and cervical cancer, and the consequences ofHPV.

LLU Discipline

Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Daher, Noha

Second Advisor

Bourne, Kenrick C.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2005

Date (Title Page)

2005

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Students - Attitudes; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Papillomavirus Infections; Papillomavirus, Human

Keywords

Christian Colleges; Secular Colleges; Student Awareness

Type

Research Report

Page Count

14 pg.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Collection Website

scholarsrepository.llu.edu/rr/

Repository

Loma Linda University. University Libraries.

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