Educational Intervention on Human Papillomavirus in University Students

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of women and men suffering from a sexually transmitted disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to implement an educational intervention on the human papillomavirus (HPV) to increase knowledge about the disease among university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a preexperimental study with 385 students of both genders, the strategy was designed under the parameters of the PAHO and the Theory of Beliefs in Health. The problem was identified through biological samples of the genitals, and the impact was measured through a questionnaire. The presence of HPV DNA was made with molecular polymerase chain reaction tests; and the answers, through coefficients of variation. RESULTS: Of the participants, 60 were positive: 49 women and 11 men. At the beginning of the application, the knowledge level was medium, between 9.0 and 9.6. After the application, it was between 12.5 and 13, being the level of knowledge average, but very close to the threshold of high. CONCLUSIONS: With the results of the tests, it was found that HPV is a real problem among university students. The level of knowledge remained medium, despite the educational intervention.