Knowledge of parents with adolescent children about the human papillomavirus

Abstract

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a current public health problem that affects around 60% of the population of Mexico, being an incurable but treatable condition obtained through sexual transmission, manifesting through Genital warts, in both men and women. HPV infection is caused by a virus that has a DNA genome belonging to the Papillomaviridae family, which is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Objective: Identify the level of knowledge of parents with adolescent children about the Human Papillomavirus. Methodology: Descriptive study, not probabilistic for convenience. Sample of 35 parents/guardians of adolescents between 12 and 19 years old. Information was collected through a sociodemographic data questionnaire and the knowledge and awareness of HPV instrument. Results: The knowledge of parents with adolescent children about HPV is a low level with a mean of 10.66, answering the following questions correctly: genital warts are caused by HPV (94.3%), multiple sexual partners increase the risk of contracting the HPV (82.9%). In relation to the sex of the parents, an average of 11.14 was obtained in women, in terms of age, an average of 11.50 was identified in the range of 51 to 60 years. At the educational level, the university obtained an average of 11.86 and the number of children, 1 or 2 children, obtained an average of 11.08. Conclusions: Parents of adolescent’s lack knowledge about HPV, while mothers are more informed due to their active role in child care.