Expanding HPV Vaccine Among Young Adults: A Preventive Step Against Gynecological Cancers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major preventable cause of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccination, knowledge gaps and misconceptions continue to limit vaccine uptake among young adults. This study aimed to evaluate HPV awareness, attitudes and beliefs regarding HPV testing, and vaccination-related health beliefs among young adults and to examine the relationships among these constructs.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 313 young adults aged 18-25 years in Turkey. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Personal Information Form, the HPV Awareness and Concern Scale, the HPV Testing Attitudes and Beliefs Scale, and the Health Belief Model Scale for HPV Infection and Vaccination. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analyses, and post hoc tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Although most participants were aware of HPV and its association with cervical cancer, substantial knowledge gaps remained regarding the appropriate timing and purpose of HPV vaccination. Most participants recognized that sexual activity was not a prerequisite for vaccination, whereas awareness of HPV-related cancers other than cervical cancer remained limited. HPV awareness was positively correlated with attitudes and beliefs regarding HPV testing (r = 0.239, p < 0.01) and vaccination-related health beliefs (r = 0.337, p < 0.01). Similarly, HPV testing attitudes and beliefs were positively associated with vaccination-related health beliefs (r = 0.228, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that, despite relatively high HPV awareness, important misconceptions and knowledge gaps regarding HPV vaccination persist among young adults.

Targeted educational interventions, evidence-based social media campaigns, and healthcare professional-led counselling strategies may contribute to improving vaccine acceptance and strengthening HPV-related cancer prevention efforts.