What Do Medical Faculty Students Think About HPV Vaccination?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the main reason for genital system cancers, especially cervical cancer, as well as oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccines have been developed to protect against HPV which has a prevalence of 43% among individuals aged 18–59. With necessary preventive measures, the incidence of cervical cancer is expected to decrease by 42% by the year 2045. Because medical students play an important role as future physicians in both their own health and in guidance of patients, their knowledge, their own attitudes and behaviours regarding vaccination are of great significance for public health. This cross-sectional study, which took place during the 2024–2025 academic year, was conducted with 4th, 5th, and 6th year students of Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine. A 38-question survey which was prepared based on current literature, was administered online. Data were evaluated via the usage of frequency analysis, percentages, and a Likert-type scale. Of the 203 students included in the study, only 7.9% had received the HPV vaccine. 6.9% of students reported that they had never heard of the HPV vaccine. Of those who had not been vaccinated, 57.4% stated the reason as high vaccine costs, while 10.8% reported insufficient knowledge as the main reason. Additionally, 29.7% of participants stated that they did not have any intention of getting vaccinated. The average knowledge level of students (0.866) was found to be adequate. While 84.7% of students reported that the source of their knowledge was based on their education at the faculty of medicine, only 21.2% considered the education provided by the faculty on vaccination to be sufficient. Including case-based trainings, interactive methods and small-group trainings in the medical school curriculum, may help enhance students’ knowledge and awareness regarding vaccination.