Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Öğrencileri ve Araştırma Görevlilerinin HPV Hakkında Bilgi ve Farkındalık Seviyelerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Öz: Amaç: Bu anket çalışması, Pamukkale Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören dördüncü ve beşinci sınıf öğrencileri ile araştırma görevlilerinin human papilloma virüsü (HPV) enfeksiyonu, HPV aşıları ve HPV ile ilişkili ağız kanserleri hakkındaki bilgi düzeylerini ve farkındalıklarını ölçmeyi hedeflemektedir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışmaya, dördüncü ve beşinci sınıf öğrencileri ile araştırma görevlisi statüsünde olan ve çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü olan toplam 185 birey dahil edilmiştir. Katılımcılara, demografik bilgileri ile HPV enfeksiyonu ve aşısı konusundaki bilgi seviyelerini değerlendiren sorular içeren bir anket uygulanmıştır. Veriler, SPSS yazılımı ile analiz edilerek kategorik değişkenlerin değerlendirilmesinde Ki-kare testi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen katılımcıların 104’ü (% 56.2) dördüncü sınıf öğrencisi, 54’ü (% 26.2) beşinci sınıf öğrencisi ve 32’si (% 17.3) araştırma görevlisidir. Genel olarak katılımcıların HPV hakkında bilgi sahibi olduğu, ancak HPV aşısının etkinliği ve güvenliği konusunda farkındalık eksikliklerinin bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, HPV ve aşılarıyla ilgili bazı sorularda, dördüncü sınıf öğrencilerinin yanlış yanıt verme oranının beşinci sınıf öğrencilerine ve araştırma görevlilerine kıyasla daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sonuç: Çalışmamızda diş hekimliği öğrencileri ve araştırma görevlilerinin HPV hakkındaki bilgi düzeylerinin eğitim seviyesi ile doğru orantılı olarak arttığı gözlemlenmektedir. HPV enfeksiyonlarının önlenmesi ve HPV ilişkili ağız kanserlerinin erken teşhisi için diş hekimlerinin farkındalığının artırılması gerekmektedir. Bu doğrultuda, diş hekimliği eğitiminde HPV ile ilgili içeriklerin güçlendirilmesi, farkındalık kampanyalarının düzenlenmesi ve doğru bilgilendirme çalışmalarının yaygınlaştırılması önerilmektedir. Anahtar kelimeler: Ağız kanseri, Diş Hekimliği, Human Papilloma Virüs (HPV)

Keywords

• Ağız Kanseri
• Diş Hekimliği
• Human Papilloma Virüs (HPV)

Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels Regarding Human Papillomavirus Among Dental Faculty Students and Research Assistants:

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This survey study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness levels of fourth- and fifth-year students, as well as research assistants, at Pamukkale University Faculty of Dentistry regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV vaccines, and HPV-related oral cancers. Materials and Methods: A total of 185 individuals, including fourth- and fifth-year students and research assistants who voluntarily participated in the study, were included. A questionnaire containing questions evaluating demographic information and knowledge levels about HPV infection and vaccination was administered to the participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the chi-square test was employed to evaluate categorical variables. Results: Among the participants, 104 (56.2%) were fourth-year students, 54 (26.2%) were fifth-year students, and 32 (17.3%) were research assistants. Overall, it was determined that the participants had knowledge about HPV; however, there were deficiencies in awareness regarding the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine. Additionally, in some HPV-related questions, fourth-year students had a higher rate of incorrect responses compared to fifth-year students and research assistants. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the knowledge levels of dentistry students and research assistants regarding HPV increase proportionally with their level of education. It is essential to enhance the awareness of dentists for the prevention of HPV infections and the early diagnosis of HPV-related oral cancers. In this context, strengthening HPV-related content in dental education, organizing awareness campaigns, and expanding accurate information dissemination efforts are recommended. Keywords: Oral cancer, Dentistry, Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Keywords

• Oral cancer
• Dentistry
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

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