Papillomavirus: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women in a distance learning program in Accounting and Auditing, Ecuador

Abstract

Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection with benign or neoplastic consequences, affecting sexually active individuals. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV among female students enrolled in the Distance Accounting and Auditing program at the National University of Loja. A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational, and quantitative design was applied. A total of 206 university students participated. Data were collected using the validated Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on HPV Prevention survey, with a Kuder-Richardson coefficient of 0.76 and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage tables, were used for analysis with SPSS version 25. Among the participants, 49% were aged 18 to 25 years, 57.8% were single, and 78% were pursuing higher education. A high level of knowledge about HPV was found in 77.7% of respondents. However, when evaluating attitudes and practices, 27.2% did not consider having multiple sexual partners a risk factor, and 21.4% reported not using condoms due to discomfort during intercourse. These findings suggest that, despite a high level of knowledge, certain negative attitudes and risky practices persist, leaving an open pathway for potential new infections.