PAPILOMAVÍRUS HUMANO: CONHECIMENTO E ESTRATÉGIAS DOS ENFERMEIROS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE, CAMPO GRANDE–MS

Abstract

Cervical cancer is closely linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Adolescents and other specific groups can receive the HPV vaccine through the National Immunization Program, in accordance with WHO recommendations. On the other hand, a low vaccination rate poses a threat to public health. Purpose: To evaluate nurses’ knowledge and attitudes about Human Papillomavirus, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine in Campo Grande, MS. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with nurses responsible for organizing vaccination strategies at Primary Health Care Units in Campo Grande – MS. Data collection was carried out in January and February 2023, with two instruments, one to assess the knowledge of nursing professionals about HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine; and another related to the strategies used in the units to improve the HPV vaccination situation. Results: A total of 138 nurses participated in the study, with a predominance of females (83.3%), white ethnicity/color (55.0%), aged between 31 and 40 years (45.0%) and specialists (71.7%). The nurses' knowledge in general was satisfactory (55.8%). Specifically, knowledge about HPV (67.4%) and CC (54.3%) was considered unsatisfactory, while knowledge about the HPV vaccine (87.7%) presented a satisfactory level of knowledge. As strategies to improve adherence: Health in Schools Program (62.0%) followed by active search (24.0%). Only 35.5% of the professionals stated that their units have in their routine some strategy to improve vaccine adherence. Acceptability was 100% among nurses, the main reason due to HPV vaccine preventing uterine cancer. Conclusion: The nurses demonstrated that they do not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, but satisfactory in relation to the HPV vaccine and that the main health strategy used for better adherence to vaccination is the School Health Program.