Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Teaching Hospital of North Karnataka: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is associated with a wide range of diseases and cancers globally, affecting both the genders, and can be effectively prevented by the HPV vaccine. As the literature on the knowledge, attitude, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine is limited, the present study was undertaken. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, acceptability, and recommendations regarding the HPV vaccine among undergraduate medical students at Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Gadag, and to suggest the appropriate recommendations as an effective measure to reduce the burden and mortality due to HPV-related cancers. Materials and Methods: present cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2024 among undergraduate medical students from first year to final year, as well as interns at GIMS, Gadag. A total of 620 students responded to the study.Informed consents were obtained, data was collected using a pre-validated, semistructured questionnaire about knowledge (Cronbach’s Alpha value-0.854), attitude, acceptability, and recommendations (Cronbach’s Alpha value0.82) regarding HPV infection and the v accine. Assessment of knowledge of HPV infection and HPV vaccines was conducted by scoring 1 point for correct answers and 0 points for incorrect answers. The score of 50% or more was considered to indicate a good knowledge score, while those with less than 50% indicated a poor knowledge score. Assessment of attitude, acceptability, and recommendation-related questions was done using a 5-point Likert scale. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the associations. Results: Amongst the participants, 435 (70.2%) students had good knowledge, and 505 (81.5%) demonstrated a positive attitude, believing that receiving the HPV vaccine would be beneficial for a teenage girl or boy’s future health. Additionally, 425 (68.6%) were willing to receive the vaccine. Students with a good knowledge score showed the significant association with vaccine acceptability (p=0.001) and recommendations to others (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed the knowledge and attitude gaps even among medical students that need to be addressed at the earliest. Therefore, we suggest Conducting more educational and awareness programmes on HPV infection and the vaccine, not only for medical students but also for those in primary and secondary schools, colleges, and public places by the experts can work as an effective tool to fill the gaps. Both government and non-governmental organisations should take the necessary steps to customise the cost and availability of the vaccine in health centers.