Health knowledge and attitudes of young women toward cervical cancer prevention: A study conducted among female high school and university students in Gdańsk

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.