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From awareness to acceptance: understanding HPV and vaccine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among university students in Punjab, Pakistan

  • 0Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice +

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March 21, 2025

|

March 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

University students in Pakistan show low awareness and uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, despite positive attitudes. Increased community outreach and educational programs are recommended to improve HPV vaccination rates.

Area Of Science

  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a significant global cause of cancer.
  • Immunization against HPV is a key strategy for cancer prevention.
  • Understanding student perspectives on HPV and vaccination is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards HPV and its vaccine among university students.
  • To evaluate HPV vaccine uptake in this demographic in Punjab, Pakistan.
  • To identify factors influencing attitudes and vaccination decisions.

Main Methods

  • A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-validated questionnaires.
  • Data were collected from 1056 university students across ten institutes in Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Rasch analysis, and regression analysis.

Main Results

  • Only 31.3% of students had heard of HPV, and 16.4% were aware of the vaccine; 2.3% were vaccinated.
  • Students demonstrated below-average knowledge of HPV but positive attitudes towards vaccination.
  • Female students, health sciences students, and urban residents showed more positive attitudes.

Conclusions

  • University students in Punjab, Pakistan, have inadequate knowledge and low uptake of the HPV vaccine.
  • Positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination exist, suggesting potential for increased uptake.
  • Community outreach, social media campaigns, and integration into university curricula are recommended to enhance HPV awareness and vaccination.

Keywords:

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