A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Human Papillomavirus Infection and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Sahu RK, Krishnan MK, Raman P and Patel K

Published on: 2025-09-10

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection associated with various cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which is a significant public health concern worldwide. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, vaccination rates remain low in many regions due to various factors such as limited awareness and cultural barriers. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding human papillomavirus infection and vaccination and identify barriers to HPV vaccination uptake.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nurses working in oncology tertiary care centres in North India.  170 participants were enrolled, and questionnaires were distributed. Out of these, 100 participants returned filled forms, and the study concluded with 100 samples. The structured questionnaires included questions regarding sociodemo graphic information, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding human papillomavirus infections and vaccination, vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination.

Results: The study found that 46% of participants had good knowledge of HPV, and 71% had a favourable attitude toward vaccination. However, only 1% of the participants had received the HPV vaccine. The primary barriers to vaccination were unawareness of the appropriate vaccination age (68%), concerns about vaccine side effects (31%), and a lack of information from society (24%). Statistically significant associations were observed between education, occupation, family income, and attitude scores. There was also a significant association between the area of work and the perception score.

Conclusion: This study highlights the low uptake of HPV vaccination among nurses working in an oncology tertiary care centre, despite favourable attitudes and good knowledge about HPV infection. The barriers to vaccination include a lack of awareness of the age of vaccination, concerns about side effects, and socio-economic challenges. Public health interventions that focus on education, improving accessibility, and addressing cultural perceptions are crucial for increasing vaccination rates and reducing HPV-related cancers in the region.