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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding HPV Vaccination Among Healthcare Students and Professionals at a
Himanshu Narula1, Tushita Sadhu2, Sulekha Nautiyal3
1Microbiology, Government Medical College, Haridwar, Haridwar, IND.
Background:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) underlies the majority of cervical cancer cases and is implicated in several other malignancies. Effective prophylactic vaccines exist, yet uptake and public understanding remain limited across India - a gap that is especially consequential among healthcare students and professionals, who are typically the first point of contact for vaccine-related counselling.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was administered to MBBS students, nursing trainees, junior residents, and faculty at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, a tertiary care institution in Northern India. This instrument was adapted from previously used HPV Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaires and was reviewed for content validity by experts in public health, gynaecology, and health education. Out of 240 individuals invited, 200 returned complete responses. Findings are summarised as frequencies and percentages.
Results:
Every participant (200/200, 100%) had previously encountered the term "HPV," and 197/200 (98.5%) correctly linked it to cervical cancer. Notable misconceptions nonetheless emerged: 26/200 (13.0%) believed that the vaccine protects against all sexually transmitted infections, 32/200 (16.0%) thought that vaccination completely eliminates cervical cancer risk, and 58/200 (29.0%) did not realise that the vaccine is indicated for both sexes. Attitudinal responses were strongly favourable, with 188/200 (94.0%) agreeing or strongly agreeing that vaccination benefits adolescents and 159/200 (79.5%) expressing willingness to receive the vaccine.
Conclusion:
Although awareness of HPV was nearly universal, important misconceptions persisted regarding HPV testing, vaccine protection, and vaccination eligibility for males. Attitudes toward HPV vaccination were generally favourable; however, HPV vaccination uptake was low. Strengthening HPV-focused education and addressing barriers to vaccine access may support prevention efforts among healthcare students and professionals.
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