Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out in order to know the risk factors and the level of knowledge that university men have about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study was carried out in male university students living in Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. The study participants were brushed the body of the penis and testicles to determine the presence of HPV DNA. In turn, they completed a self-administered questionnaire as an instrument to measure risk factors and the level of knowledge about the infection. The sample was selected probabilistically in a total of 185 students. Findings: The results were as follows: 11 of the students participating in the study were positive; 83.7% of men have heard about the virus; the average age of onset of sexual relations is between 15 and 18 years; the number of sexual partners was an average of 1 to 10 couples; concluding that students are aware of risk factors that predispose them to the spread of the virus, while the knowledge that students have is medium. Application: Awareness and knowledge of HPV was very low in this group of men. Interventions to increase knowledge and awareness in this group are necessary to promote preventive practices for HPV-related cancers in high-risk groups. 

Keywords: Human Papilloma Virus, Knowledge, Risk Factors, University Men