Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world today. HPV has been identified as the cause of both cancer and genital warts. A vaccine to prevent select types of HPV infection was developed and approved for males and females ages 9 to 26. This vaccine has not been universally accepted by healthcare providers, parents, or the public and has lower vaccination coverage rates than other recommended vaccines for the same age group. Multiple studies addressing the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs of providers and parents regarding the vaccine have taken place. Only a few studies with the nursing profession are found in the literature and they do not look at the vaccine in regards to males. Nurses are seen as one of the most trustworthy of professions. What nurses know, perceive and believe can impact both patients and those they come in contact with on an informal basis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of registered nurses about the human papillomavirus and associated vaccination for males. Methodology: This study took place in February of 2013 and used a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional survey. The survey was administered online to alumni of the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing, members of the Theta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and current graduate nursing students and faculty of UCF College of Nursing. There were one hundred and twelve Registered Nurses that participated in the study. Findings: Knowledge of HPV varied among respondents. The vast majority knew that HPV was a common sexually transmitted infection however less were knowledgeable on specific iii information about the vaccine. Less than eighty percent of study participants knew that the vaccine was available for both males and females. Close to ninety percent of respondents agreed that vaccinating males would be important to protect their future partners from complications associated with HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer, and to protect themselves from future complications, such as genital warts and cancers. Participants with doctoral degrees possessed a significantly more favorable attitude (p<0.001) towards vaccine use in males than those with a bachelors degree. Conclusions: Nurses in this study were knowledgeable about specific HPV information but were less knowledgeable about the extent of infection seen in males or the availability of the vaccine for males. This study found inaccuracies and lack of knowledge among Registered Nurses that demonstrates the need for education about HPV and the associated vaccine. While the attitudes of the respondents reflect favorably toward the vaccine, there is still a need for education among this population.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2013

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Waldrop, Julee

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing; Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004467

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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