Conhecimento sobre HPV em jovens de escola pública no Ceará

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate knowledge about HPV, vaccination, and diagnostic tests among adolescents from a public vocational school in Ceará, identifying associated factors and proposing strategies to improve awareness and vaccination adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 410 students aged 15–17 from a state school in Fortaleza-CE, between November 2024 and March 2025. A self-administered adapted questionnaire was used, covering questions about HPV, vaccination, and diagnostic tests. Relative Risk (RR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated, and logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Data were analyzed using Python. Results: Most participants were female (67.56%), with a family income ≤ 2 minimum wages (67.56%). Vaccination coverage was 81.95%, but adequate knowledge about HPV, vaccination, and diagnostic tests was 64.39%, 50.49%, and 6.83%, respectively. Nursing students showed significantly higher knowledge (RR 1.28–3.06; p < 0.001). Major gaps included lack of awareness about diagnostic tests and misconceptions such as the association between HPV and HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Knowledge about HPV and diagnostic testing remains insufficient, particularly among non-health-related students. Integrated educational programs between schools and health units are essential to clarify myths, promote vaccination, and reduce HPV-related complications.