The Importance of HPV Vaccination

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 128 views

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine: A Study on High School Students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is a serious health problem in Indonesia, ranking second after breast cancer in terms of new cases and deaths. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, there were approximately 36,633 new cases and 21,003 reported deaths from cervical cancer in the country. In an effort to reduce the number of new cases and deaths from cervical cancer, primary prevention through HPV vaccination is crucial. In April 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Health added the HPV vaccine to the mandatory immunization list. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among high school students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan, as well as analyzing their motivation to vaccinate HPV.

The Importance of HPV Vaccination

HPV vaccination is an effective preventive step in protecting women from cervical cancer. The vaccine works by preventing the human papillomavirus (HPV) from causing cancer. HPV is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer. The vaccine is available for both males and females, and it is recommended that children receive the vaccine at a young age, ideally between 9 and 14 years old. The vaccine is given in a series of three doses, and it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.

Research Methods

This study uses a descriptive-analytic study design with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consists of high school students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The students were selected through the proportional random sampling stratified technique. All respondents were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included questions about cervical cancer, HPV vaccine, and their motivation to vaccinate HPV. The data obtained was then analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation.

Research Results

The results of the study showed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine with the motivation to vaccinate HPV among high school students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan. The P value obtained is <0.001, indicating a strong relationship with the value of R = 0.649. This indicates that the higher the knowledge of students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine, the greater their motivation to vaccinate.

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Motivation

The study found that there is a significant relationship between knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine with the motivation to vaccinate HPV. This suggests that students who have a better understanding of cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination are more likely to be motivated to get vaccinated. This is an important finding, as it highlights the need for education and awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among high school students.

Conclusion

There is a significant relationship between knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine with the motivation of high school students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan to vaccinate HPV. Therefore, it is essential for schools and the government to continue to provide information and education about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine, so as to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Indonesia. Women's health is a shared responsibility, and vaccination is one of the best efforts to protect future generations.

Recommendations

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

Schools should provide education and awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine to high school students.
The government should continue to provide information and education about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine to the public.
Parents and guardians should encourage their children to get vaccinated against HPV.
Healthcare providers should provide information and education about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine to patients.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only included high school students in W.R. Supratman 1 Medan, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations. Secondly, the study used a cross-sectional design, which may not allow for causal inferences. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate the findings of this study in other populations and settings. Additionally, future research should investigate the effectiveness of education and awareness programs in increasing knowledge and motivation to vaccinate against HPV. Finally, future research should explore the role of parents and guardians in encouraging their children to get vaccinated against HPV.

References

Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2022). HPV Vaccine Added to Mandatory Immunization List.
World Health Organization. (2022). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HPV Vaccine.

Appendix

The appendix includes the questionnaire used in the study, as well as the data analysis plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine

Q: What is cervical cancer?

A: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is a serious health problem in Indonesia, ranking second after breast cancer in terms of new cases and deaths.

Q: What causes cervical cancer?

A: Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause cancer. HPV is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Q: What is the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. The vaccine is available for both males and females, and it is recommended that children receive the vaccine at a young age, ideally between 9 and 14 years old.

Q: How does the HPV vaccine work?

A: The HPV vaccine works by preventing the human papillomavirus (HPV) from causing cancer. The vaccine is given in a series of three doses, and it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.

Q: Is the HPV vaccine safe?

A: Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. The vaccine has been tested in numerous clinical trials and has been shown to be effective in preventing HPV-related cancers.

Q: Who should get the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is recommended for all children between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. It is also recommended for young adults up to the age of 26 who have not been vaccinated previously.

Q: Can I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already infected with HPV?

A: Yes, you can still get the HPV vaccine even if you're already infected with HPV. However, the vaccine may not be as effective in preventing cancer if you're already infected.

Q: How often should I get the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is given in a series of three doses, with the second dose given 2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the second dose.

Q: Can I get the HPV vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?

A: It's generally recommended that people with weakened immune systems avoid getting the HPV vaccine. However, if you have a weakened immune system and still want to get the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor first.

Q: How effective is the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV-related cancers. Studies have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%.

Q: Can I get the HPV vaccine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: It's generally recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid getting the HPV vaccine. However, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and still want to get the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor first.

Q: How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

A: The cost of the HPV vaccine varies depending on the location and the provider. However, in Indonesia, the HPV vaccine is included in the mandatory immunization list, which means that it's free for all children.

Q: Where can I get the HPV vaccine?

A: You can get the HPV vaccine from your doctor or a local health clinic. In Indonesia, the HPV vaccine is available at all public health clinics and hospitals.

Q: What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

A: The HPV vaccine is generally well-tolerated, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fever, headache, and fatigue.

Q: Can I get the HPV vaccine if I have a history of allergies?

A: If you have a history of allergies, you should talk to your doctor before getting the HPV vaccine. However, in general, the HPV vaccine is safe for people with allergies.

Q: How long does the HPV vaccine last?

A: The HPV vaccine is designed to provide long-term protection against HPV. Studies have shown that the vaccine can provide protection for up to 10 years or more.

Q: Can I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already vaccinated against other diseases?

A: Yes, you can still get the HPV vaccine even if you're already vaccinated against other diseases. However, you should talk to your doctor first to make sure that it's safe for you to get the vaccine.