How Informed Are College Students About HPV? Discover the Real Insights behind Their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine
Authors: N Parmar Neha , Yadav Anshu , Nayi Arpita 
Published: December 2024

Background: The study focuses on human papilloma virus vaccination, a common sexually transmitted infection that can causes cervical cancer. In many countries including India there’s not enough public awareness or national vaccination programme for HPV. This research aims to evaluate how much college students know about HPV vaccine, understand their attitudes and acceptance towards it and identify obstacles and miss understanding that prevent people from getting vaccinated.
Objective: The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the HPV vaccine among college students in Nadiad city. Additionally, the research will analyze the correlation between knowledge, attitude, and acceptance to better understand how this factor influences vaccination decision.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Nadiad with a sample of 150 participants aged 18 to 21 years. We Performed Frequency distribution and descriptive statistical analysis to the assess knowledge level, attitude level and acceptance levels towards the human papillomavirus vaccination. Data analysis involved the application of descriptive statistical methods, including frequency distribution and percentage. Additionally, inferential statistical techniques such as the chi- square test and Karl Pearson correlation coefficient were utilized to examine association between the variables.
Result: The study findings reveal that a substantial portion of participants (60%) demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding the HPV vaccine, with 64% failing to recognize vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods as a potential indicator of cervical cancer. Furthermore, 52% of respondents incorrectly believed that only women could contract HPV, while 65.33% considered the HPV vaccine to be safe for all individuals. Additionally, 69.33% agreed that the vaccine should be administered to individuals with multiple sexual partners, and 70.66% were aware that it is recommended for both males and females. A notable 63.33% erroneously believed that the HPV vaccine offers protection against HIV. While 76% acknowledged the importance of vaccination for health, 66.66% expressed willingness to receive the vaccine if offered, and 76.66% indicated they would recommend it to peers. Correlation analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between knowledge and either attitude or acceptance of the HPV vaccine, suggesting negligible associations between these variables. Similarly, demographic factors such as age, gender, family type, and marital status were not significantly associated with vaccine acceptance, indicating the absence of clear demographic predictors for HPV vaccine acceptance.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate a considerable lack of awareness regarding the HPV vaccine, with 60% of participants being unfamiliar with it. While the majority exhibited an average level of knowledge (60%), several misconceptions were noted, such as 52% believing that only women can contract HPV and 63.33% incorrectly assuming that the HPV vaccine provides protection against HIV. Despite these gaps in understanding, attitudes towards the vaccine were generally positive, with 76.66% of respondents expressing willingness to recommend it, and 66.66% indicating readiness to receive the vaccine if offered. However, there remains a critical need for targeted public health education to address knowledge deficits and promote informed acceptance of the HPV vaccine. The analysis of demographic variables showed no significant correlation with vaccine acceptance, suggesting that educational interventions should be inclusive of all demographic groups.

Key words: Assess, Knowledge, attitude, acceptance, Human papilloma virus, College students