A Cross-Sectional Study of Awareness and Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Institution

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus is the principal cause of cervical cancer, and prophylactic HPV vaccination is an effective primary preventive strategy. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, play a crucial role in promoting HPV vaccination. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness and attitude regarding HPV vaccination among medical students. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching institution. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire assessing awareness and attitude toward HPV vaccination. The questionnaire was administered online. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants were aged ≥23 years (76.0%), with females constituting 58% of the study population. Awareness regarding cervical cancer prevention was reported by 84.0% of participants, and 89.4% were aware of the causative role of HPV. Awareness of HPV vaccine availability was present in 74.9% of participants, while only 24.0% were aware of HPV vaccination among males. Female students demonstrated significantly higher awareness regarding vaccine availability and target population for vaccination compared to male students (p < 0.05). Inadequate information and high cost were identified as the major barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: Medical students demonstrated good overall awareness regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination; however, important gaps persist, particularly regarding male vaccination and dosage schedule. Strengthening medical education and addressing identified barriers may improve HPV vaccine acceptance and enhance cervical cancer prevention efforts.