EVALUATION OF UKRAINIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION

The purpose of the study was to assess level Ukrainian medical students' knowledge regarding human papillomavirus (HPV), as well their attitude and practice prevention HPV infection. Materials methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological conducted among students in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Vinnytsia October–December 2022. questionnaire developed. Two hundred fifty-two took part survey. Descriptive statistics methods were used for data analysis. Pearson's χ2 test determine if there a significant relationship between two nominal variables. Results. sample respondents represented by aged 16–38 years, primarily female (87.3%, n = 220). Almost three-quarters (73.8%, 186) all indicated need additional information about HPV. Only 43.3% (n 109) knew that early onset sexual life risk factor Thirty-seven (14.7%) correctly men who had sex with at increased infection compared heterosexual men. Seventy-nine (31.3%) reported they didn't know existence vaccine before taking questionnaire. Seventy-five (29.8%) whether vaccination against mandatory Ukraine it included national schedule. 57.9% 146) systematically (at least once year) visited gynecologist/urologist. proportion relations gynecologist/urologist greater than have regularly (χ2 27.559; p < 0.00001). One forty-eight (58.7%) relations. Of them, 52.0% 77) or more partners during lifetime. Twenty-seven those (18.2%) never been tested sexually transmitted infections (STIs). majority (57.4%, 85) demanded documentary confirmation absence STIs from partners. vaccinated 5.2% 13 252). Forty-three 43) did not status could say certainty other 77.8% 196) Among unvaccinated students, 33.7% 66) planned get HPV; 21.9% plan be Conclusion. An insufficient revealed. There is lack adherence vaccination. Factors risky behavior identified persons It necessary increase awareness future doctors immunoprophylaxis optimizing educational programs universities intensify sanitary work on safe sex.