Cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination awareness Among university students: A global scoping review of knowledge, attitudes, and barriers

BackgroundCervical cancer remains a significant global public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination emerging as a critical preventive strategy. University students represent a key demographic for vaccination interventions given their reproductive health significance and potential role as future healthcare advocates.ObjectivesTo comprehensively synthesize global evidence on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and barriers among university students.MethodsA scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted using literature from databases like PubMed and Scopus (2021-2025). Eighteen cross-sectional observational studies from multiple countries were included, focusing on university students exclusively. Data were extracted using a standardized Population-Concept-Context framework and synthesized narratively.ResultsAcross 18 studies (N = 11,500 students), cervical cancer awareness ranged from 59% to 90%, whereas HPV awareness was lower and more variable (18-91%). Adequate HPV knowledge ranged from 20.7% to 72.7%, and vaccine related knowledge from 18.9% to 59.8%. Positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination ranged from 36% to 75%, while vaccine uptake remained low (0-35%). Common barriers included safety concerns (50-63%), misconceptions (42-43%), insufficient information (18-33%), and low perceived susceptibility (4-40%).ConclusionsSubstantial evidence practice gaps exist among university students regarding cervical cancer prevention. Targeted educational interventions addressing misconceptions, enhancing safety communications, and leveraging university students' academic backgrounds as future healthcare leaders are essential to increase HPV vaccination uptake and reduce cervical cancer burden globally.