Improve educational programs

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 58 views

Introduction

Cervical cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancer diseases affecting women worldwide, with the main cause being Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and often shows no symptoms, making it difficult for many women to realize they are infected. Fortunately, HPV infection can be prevented by the HPV vaccine, which has been proven to be an effective precautionary step in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. However, despite the availability of the vaccine, there are still many people who do not understand about cervical cancer, the dangers caused by HPV, and the importance of HPV vaccination. This lack of knowledge contributes to high mortality rates due to cervical cancer. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the level of knowledge of students in Mariana Catholic High School regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccine.

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern, especially among young women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with over 570,000 new cases reported annually. In many countries, cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women, with a mortality rate of over 270,000 per year. The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV infection, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 100 types of HPV, with some types being more likely to cause cancer than others. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancer cases.

The HPV vaccine is an effective precautionary step in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The vaccine works by protecting against the two most common types of HPV that cause cancer, HPV 16 and 18. The vaccine is usually given to girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26, and it is most effective when given before exposure to HPV. However, despite the availability of the vaccine, many people do not understand about cervical cancer, the dangers caused by HPV, and the importance of HPV vaccination.

Research Methods

This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach, where all students in Mariana Catholic High School totaling 70 respondents participated. Data was collected through a questionnaire specifically designed to explore their knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, which were divided into two sections. The first section consisted of 10 questions that explored the students' knowledge of cervical cancer, while the second section consisted of 10 questions that explored their knowledge of the HPV vaccine.

The questionnaire was designed to assess the students' knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine, as well as their attitudes towards the vaccine. The questionnaire was administered to all students in Mariana Catholic High School, and the data was collected over a period of two weeks. After data collection, the information obtained was analyzed using a statistical program to provide a clear picture of the level of existing knowledge.

Research Result

From the results of the study, it was found that the majority of respondents had sufficient levels of knowledge about cervical cancer, with a percentage of 52.9%. However, students' knowledge of the HPV vaccine is relatively low, which is 58.6% in the lack of category. In addition, only 2 students or 2.9% of the total respondents have received the HPV vaccine.

The results of this study indicate that although Mariana Catholic High School students have sufficient knowledge about cervical cancer, there are still significant deficiencies in the knowledge of the HPV vaccine. This is very important to note, because the low awareness of the HPV vaccine can result in a low level of vaccination. In fact, the HPV vaccine is an effective precautionary step to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in the future.

Analysis and Discussion

The results of this study indicate that there is a significant gap in the knowledge of the HPV vaccine among Mariana Catholic High School students. This is a concern, because the low awareness of the HPV vaccine can result in a low level of vaccination. In fact, the HPV vaccine is an effective precautionary step to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in the future.

One factor that might affect the low knowledge of the HPV vaccine is the lack of adequate health education in the school and family environment. Therefore, more intensive educational strategies are needed, such as health counseling, seminars, or information campaigns about the importance of HPV vaccines and cervical cancer prevention.

In addition, cooperation between schools, parents, and health institutions is very important to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. With better knowledge, it is hoped that students will be more motivated to get the HPV vaccine and be more concerned with their reproductive health.

Conclusion

Overall, Mariana Catholic High School students have sufficient levels of knowledge about cervical cancer, but their knowledge of the HPV vaccine is still classified as lacking. It is essential to improve educational programs and health campaigns among adolescents so that they better understand the risk of cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccine as an effective precautionary step. By increasing this knowledge and awareness, it is expected that the incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced in the future.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of educating students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant gap in the knowledge of the HPV vaccine among Mariana Catholic High School students. Therefore, it is essential to improve educational programs and health campaigns among adolescents so that they better understand the risk of cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccine as an effective precautionary step.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve educational programs: Educational programs should be improved to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among adolescents.
Health counseling: Health counseling should be provided to students to increase their knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine.
Information campaigns: Information campaigns should be conducted to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among adolescents.
Cooperation between schools, parents, and health institutions: Cooperation between schools, parents, and health institutions is essential to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among adolescents.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced in the future.

Q: What is cervical cancer?

A: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. It is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Q: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

A: The symptoms of cervical cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pain during sex
Pelvic pain or pressure
Unusual vaginal odor
Weight loss

Q: What is the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. The vaccine is usually given to girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26, and it is most effective when given before exposure to HPV.

Q: How does the HPV vaccine work?

A: The HPV vaccine works by protecting against the two most common types of HPV that cause cancer, HPV 16 and 18. The vaccine is made up of a weakened form of the virus, which triggers the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the virus.

Q: Is the HPV vaccine safe?

A: The HPV vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in numerous studies. However, as with any vaccine, there may be some side effects, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, there may be more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or blood clotting disorders.

Q: How effective is the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Studies have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90% and the risk of genital warts by up to 90%.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to boys?

A: Yes, the HPV vaccine can be given to boys. The vaccine is recommended for boys between the ages of 11 and 21, as it can help protect them against genital warts and other HPV-related diseases.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have already been infected with HPV?

A: No, the HPV vaccine cannot be given to women who have already been infected with HPV. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, and it will not provide protection against existing infections.

Q: How often does the HPV vaccine need to be given?

A: The HPV vaccine is usually given in a series of two or three doses, depending on the type of vaccine and the individual's age. The doses are typically given over a period of several months, and the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to HPV.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The vaccine has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is not known whether it is safe for them.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of cervical cancer?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of cervical cancer. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, and it will not provide protection against existing infections.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a weakened immune system?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a weakened immune system. The vaccine may not be effective in individuals with weakened immune systems, and it may increase the risk of side effects.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking immunosuppressive medications?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking immunosuppressive medications. The vaccine may not be effective in individuals taking immunosuppressive medications, and it may increase the risk of side effects.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines. The vaccine may increase the risk of allergic reactions, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the immune system?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the immune system. The vaccine may not be effective in individuals taking medications that affect the immune system, and it may increase the risk of side effects.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of autoimmune disorders?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of autoimmune disorders. The vaccine may increase the risk of autoimmune disorders, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of autoimmune disorders.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the liver?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the liver. The vaccine may increase the risk of liver damage, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the liver.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of liver disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of liver disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of liver damage, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of liver disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the kidneys?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the kidneys. The vaccine may increase the risk of kidney damage, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the kidneys.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of kidney disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of kidney disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of kidney damage, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of kidney disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the heart?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the heart. The vaccine may increase the risk of heart problems, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the heart.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of heart disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of heart disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of heart problems, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of heart disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the lungs?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the lungs. The vaccine may increase the risk of lung problems, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the lungs.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of lung disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of lung disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of lung problems, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of lung disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the brain?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the brain. The vaccine may increase the risk of brain problems, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the brain.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of brain disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of brain disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of brain problems, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of brain disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the nervous system?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the nervous system. The vaccine may increase the risk of nervous system problems, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the nervous system.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of nervous system disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of nervous system disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of nervous system problems, and it is not recommended for individuals with a history of nervous system disease.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who are taking medications that affect the muscles?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who are taking medications that affect the muscles. The vaccine may increase the risk of muscle problems, and it is not recommended for individuals taking medications that affect the muscles.

Q: Can the HPV vaccine be given to women who have a history of muscle disease?

A: No, the HPV vaccine should not be given to women who have a history of muscle disease. The vaccine may increase the risk of muscle problems, and it is not