Estrategias para la prevención del VPH en estudiantes de colegios públicos de Pereira y su relación con el cáncer de cuello uterino

John Jairo Villa Carmona; Andrés  Arismendi Ramírez; Angela Liceth  Pérez Rendón; Jorge Luis Quintero López

doi:10.22490/25394088.10445

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2026)

Published 2025-12-01

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Article

Strategies for HPV prevention in students of public schools in Pereira and its relationship with cervical cancer

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/25394088.10445

John Jairo Villa Carmona Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina

Andrés Arismendi Ramírezv Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina

Angela Liceth Pérez Rendón Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina

Jorge Luis Quintero López Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina

pre-print (Spanish)

Abstract
References

This descriptive cross-sectional study examined the level of knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its relationship to cervical cancer in 205 female students, aged 12 to 22, from public schools in Pereira, Colombia. To ensure reliability, a validated instrument was used (Cronbach's alpha: 0.84). Although 84.4% of participants reported familiarity with HPV, significant gaps in essential knowledge were evident, particularly regarding prevention and transmission. Schools emerged as the main source of information (80%), while family guidance was limited (49.3%). While 90.7% of the students were aware of the vaccine, only 61% recognized preventive measures. Among the sexually active students (49.8%), only 56.9% reported consistent use of protection, and only 17.6% had undergone a Pap smear. Misconceptions persisted, such as the belief that HPV could be transmitted through blood transfusions, highlighting the continued presence of misinformation. Notably, 98.5% of the students expressed interest in receiving further education, with a preference for interactive talks (31.7%).

The study emphasizes the urgent need to implement educational strategies that go beyond theory and translate into tangible preventative practices. Strengthening comprehensive sexuality education, fostering family involvement, and promoting early prevention measures, such as vaccination and Pap smears, could contribute to reducing the alarming incidence of cervical cancer in this vulnerable population.

keywords: Human papillomavirus, teenagers, cervical cáncer , prevention, vaccination, knowledge about HPV

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How to Cite

Villa Carmona, J. J., Arismendi Ramírez, A., Pérez Rendón, A. L., & Quintero López, J. L. (2025). Strategies for HPV prevention in students of public schools in Pereira and its relationship with cervical cancer. Publicaciones E Investigación, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.22490/25394088.10445

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