Awareness and knowledge of human papillomavirus, vaccine acceptability and cervical cancer among college students in Saudi Arabia

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection among teenagers and young adults. HPV vaccination and screening are vital preventive measures to reduce the incidence of HPV-related complications, including cervical cancer. Given the rising global incidence of cervical cancer, understanding the factors influencing awareness and knowledge among young adults in Saudi Arabia is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. This study investigates the levels of awareness, knowledge, and vaccine acceptability regarding HPV and cervical cancer among college students in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2023 among 442 students in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between predictor and dependent variables. Among participants, 54.1% were aware of HPV, and 66.5% had heard of cervical cancer. However, only 17% correctly identified HPV16 and HPV18 as high-risk genotypes for cervical cancer. Awareness of the HPV vaccine was reported by 36.2% of participants, with just 10% having received the vaccine. Female students exhibited significantly higher knowledge levels than males (<i>p</i> = .018). The primary barrier to vaccination was identified as a lack of education and awareness (80.1%). The study highlights a significant gap in knowledge and awareness regarding HPV, its vaccine, and cervical cancer among college students in Saudi Arabia. Targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns are essential to enhance understanding and promote preventive practices, including vaccination and regular screening.