Evaluation of University Students’ Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, HPV Vaccination, and HPV-Related Cancers

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and a major cause of cervical and other cancers. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess university students' knowledge of HPV infection, testing, vaccination, and HPV-related cancers across different regions of Türkiye. Data were collected from 1,856 students enrolled in associate, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs using a validated HPV Knowledge Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations. Overall, awareness of HPV (76.3%), HPV testing (70.1%), and HPV vaccination (77.5%) was relatively high, while only 11.3% of participants had been vaccinated. The mean total knowledge score was 13.19 +/- 8.64, indicating moderate knowledge. Higher scores were associated with female gender, higher education level, family history of cancer, and prior knowledge of sexually transmitted infections or cervical cancer (p<.05). Regional variations were observed, with the Aegean, Central Anatolia, and Marmara regions showing higher knowledge levels. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between age and knowledge (r=0.206, p<.001). The findings highlight persistent gaps in HPV vaccination and screening awareness among university students. Targeted educational interventions, particularly for male and non-health students, and national inclusion of HPV vaccination programs could strengthen preventive strategies against HPVrelated cancers.