HPV Vaccine awareness and acceptance: Survey among medical students

Abstract

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing certain types of cancer and other diseases. CDC

recommends vaccination for everyone through age 26 years if not adequately vaccinated when

younger. Awareness and acceptance of this vaccine plays crucial role in prevention. Future doctors should be aware

of the importance and benefits of the HPV vaccine. Higher vaccine acceptance among medical students can

contribute to higher vaccination rates in public.

Objectives

1.To study the level of awareness of HPV vaccination among medical students. 2. To know the various barriers of

HPV vaccine uptake.

Methods

It was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital. Study participants were

medical students. Study duration was from October 2024 – March 2025. Universal sampling was used. Data was

collected through google form questionnaire circulated in online Whats App platform and analyzed.

Results

Total responses received were 543. Mean age of the participants was 20.67 ± 1.71 years. Research findings showed

that 97.24 %(C.I.- 95.48% to 98.45%) participants were having awareness regarding HPV vaccination. 95.58% (C.I.-

93.49% to 97.15%) were aware of vaccine role in prevention of cervical cancer but majority were not aware of its

protective role in other diseases. Majority, 75.14%(C.I. – 71.28% to 78.72%) had not taken the vaccine. Barriers for

HPV vaccine uptake were insufficient knowledge about the vaccine in 31.18%, concerns regarding safety of the

vaccine in 12.03%, 11.58% said it was not available and 10.91% were not sure about the benefits.

Conclusion

Though awareness of HPV vaccination is present, a significant portion of medical students were not vaccinated

against HPV. Lack of accurate knowledge, doubts about safety and benefits among medical students were the main

barriers of the vaccine uptake. As India is planning to roll out this vaccine in National Immunization schedule,

overcoming barriers in medical students who will be future medical professionals is of utmost importance.