The Reasons to Get Vaccinated: A Cross-Sectional Study on HPV Vaccination Adherence in a Northern Italian University

Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a major public health challenge due to its high prevalence and the complications arising from infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the reasons for adherence to the HPV vaccination campaign offered by the University of Milan to its students.

A questionnaire, distributed via QR code, was utilized to investigate the motivations behind participation in the vaccination campaign, as well as the characteristics of the population participating in the vaccination campaign carried out at the University of Milan. Concurrently, a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of students was also carried out at the vaccination sites where it was conducted, categorizing them into university hospitals and university campuses.

A comparison of vaccination sites revealed a significant disparity between hospitals and universities with regard to gender, age, and faculty. A higher average age (25 versus 24 years) and a higher prevalence of females (53.9% versus 51.1%) were observed in hospitals. The findings of the regression model demonstrate that demographic factors exert an influence on only two reasons for participation, with male gender proving a predictive factor for the response option entitled "It is a responsibility towards one's partner(s)". Furthermore, enrolment in a course of study has been found to correlate positively with the response option entitled "I have been convinced by advertising campaigns/friends/acquaintances".

A vaccination campaign implemented within educational institutions is a fundamental strategy for enhancing vaccination uptake rates among young population. Conversely, the utilization of health promotion interventions, such as pre-vaccination promotional campaigns, does not seem to be a pivotal factor in enhancing uptake.