HPV Knowledge, Vaccine Status, and Health Literacy Among University Students

The aim of this study was to assess university students' knowledge and understanding about HPV and its association with their vaccination status and health literacy. A sample of 383 undergraduate university students between the ages of 18 and 26 were recruited between February 14 and March 22, 2018. An electronic survey was administered to assess knowledge and HPV awareness, vaccination status, and health literacy. Participants had moderate mean knowledge scores of 6.02 of a possible 11 (SD = 3.06). There was a positive association between health literacy and HPV knowledge and a statistically significant difference in knowledge scores between those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated p < 0.001. This study expanded available research on HPV vaccine and its uptake among university students and can be used to develop educational interventions. Continuous examination of HPV knowledge gaps and identifying factors that affect vaccine uptake is pivotal to increasing vaccination rates.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate university students' knowledge of HPV and its association with vaccination status and health literacy. Findings showed that students had moderate knowledge of HPV, with a positive correlation between health literacy and HPV knowledge, and a significant difference in knowledge scores between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The study provides insights for developing educational interventions and highlights the importance of continuous assessment of HPV knowledge gaps and factors affecting vaccine uptake.