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HPV Vaccination Predictors Among College Students
Alyssa Lee1, Kiley Brady Kirby2, Derek Werthmann3
1University of South Alabama, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, USA. agburch@health.southalabama.edu.
Journal of Community Health
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are low among college students, with many lacking knowledge and confidence. Improving vaccine beliefs and reducing hesitancy are key to increasing HPV vaccination coverage.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- College students face a high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- HPV vaccination coverage is suboptimal in this demographic despite vaccine availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine predictors of HPV vaccination status.
- To assess HPV- and HPV vaccine-related knowledge, beliefs, and hesitancy among university undergraduates.
Main Methods:
- An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,127 undergraduate students aged 18-26.
- Multinomial logistic regression models analyzed factors associated with vaccination status.
Main Results:
- Only 48.4% reported receiving at least one HPV vaccine dose, with 21.7% completion.
- Over 30% were unsure of their vaccination status.
- HPV knowledge, vaccine beliefs, and hesitancy were independently associated with vaccination status (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- HPV vaccination initiation and completion are low among college students.
- Gaps in knowledge, awareness, and confidence hinder vaccination.
- Interventions on college campuses can improve HPV knowledge, vaccine confidence, and vaccination rates.
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