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Mind the Gap: Sex-Specific Drivers of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake in Serbian University Students

  • 0Department of Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education +

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September 26, 2025

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September 26, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake differs between male and female students due to varying beliefs and information sources. Tailored strategies are needed to address sex-specific factors and improve HPV protection.

Area Of Science

  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Social Sciences

Background

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV-related diseases.
  • Suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake persists globally, necessitating research into influencing factors.
  • Understanding sex-specific determinants is vital for effective public health interventions.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate sex-based differences in beliefs, information environments, and social influences on HPV vaccination decisions among university students.
  • To identify specific factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake in male and female undergraduate students.

Main Methods

  • Cross-sectional online survey conducted with 1529 female and 423 male undergraduate students in Belgrade.
  • Hierarchical logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HPV vaccine uptake.
  • Data collected on beliefs, information sources, social influences, and vaccine uptake.

Main Results

  • Female students' uptake linked to beliefs in vaccine efficacy/safety, lower perceived information gaps, and influence from family, colleagues, and media.
  • Male students' uptake associated with beliefs in efficacy, lower perceived information gaps, reliance on scientific literature and family, and less YouTube use.
  • Significant sex differences identified in factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake.

Conclusions

  • Tailored strategies are essential to address unique factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake in males and females.
  • Enhancing communication on vaccine efficacy and safety, improving access to reliable information, and addressing specific concerns (e.g., financial barriers for females, misinformation for males) can boost uptake.
  • Targeted interventions can improve equitable HPV protection across sexes.

Keywords:

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