A Cross-sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Female Undergraduate Medical Students about HPV Vaccination in Sri Aurobindo Medical College & PG Institute, Indore (M.P.)

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide and continues to be a major public health concern in India.  Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly genotypes 16 and 18, is responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. HPV vaccination is a highly effective primary preventive strategy capable of substantially reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Despite the introduction of the National HPV Vaccination Programme in India in 2024, vaccine uptake remains inadequate due to poor awareness, financial constraints, misconceptions, and sociocultural barriers. As future healthcare providers, medical students play a vital role in promoting HPV vaccination and educating the community.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HPV vaccination among female undergraduate MBBS students of Sri Aurobindo Medical College & PG Institute, Indore.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 female undergraduate MBBS students from first to final year. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms after obtaining informed consent. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HPV vaccination. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation were used.

Results: Among the 200 participants, 61.5% demonstrated good knowledge regarding HPV vaccination, while 33.5% had average knowledge and 5% had poor knowledge. Neutral attitude towards HPV vaccination was observed among 53.5% of students, whereas 23% had a positive attitude and 23.5% demonstrated a negative attitude. Only 12.1% of the participants had received HPV vaccination. Among the unvaccinated students, lack of awareness regarding vaccination centres (38%), high cost (26%), low perceived susceptibility (21%), fear of side effects (9%), and lack of priority (6%) were the major barriers. Nearly three-fourths (74%) of the unvaccinated students expressed willingness to receive HPV vaccination if it was provided free of cost or at subsidized rates.

Conclusion: Although knowledge regarding HPV vaccination was satisfactory among female medical students, vaccination uptake remained remarkably low. Institutional awareness programmes, subsidized vaccination services and incorporation of HPV education into the undergraduate medical curriculum may substantially improve vaccine acceptance and contribute towards the national goal of cervical cancer elimination.