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RESEARCH PAPER
Health knowledge and attitudes of young women toward cervical cancer prevention: A study conducted among female high school and university students in Gdańsk
 
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1
Zakład Zdrowia Publicznego i Medycyny Społecznej, Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny
 
2
Zakład Higieny i Epidemiologii, Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny
 
 
Submission date: 2026-03-09
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-07-18
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-08-12
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-10-19
 
 
Corresponding author
Wiktoria Kucharek   

Zakład Zdrowia Publicznego i Medycyny Społecznej, Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Background: Cervical cancer is a malignancy characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Each year, more than 300,000 women worldwide die from this disease, including approximately 2,000 women in Poland. This is largely due to late diagnosis, which is often associated with insufficient health awareness among women regarding preventive measures. Engaging young women in preventive efforts is particularly important, as early health education and the development of appropriate health-promoting attitudes increase the likelihood of regular participation in screening programs and the early detection of neoplastic changes. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and health-promoting attitudes regarding cervical cancer prevention among young women attending secondary schools and higher education institutions in Gdańsk. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2025 in the form of an anonymous online survey. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee for Scientific Research at the Medical University of Gdańsk. A total of 124 respondents aged 18-24 years participated in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software, version 13.3. Results: University students demonstrated a higher level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer prevention, were more likely to attend gynecological appointments, and more frequently used contraception. In contrast, secondary school students more often reported uncertainty about HPV vaccination and a lower self-assessment of their health knowledge. Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer prevention among young women remains unsatisfactory, particularly among secondary school students. The findings indicate the need to intensify educational efforts in the areas of sexual health and HPV prevention.
eISSN:2545-1898
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