HPV knowledge, vaccination uptake, and information access among adolescents aged 15–19 in France

Sexual health information for young people is a global public health issue. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. In France, vaccination was extended to girls and in 2019, but coverage remains low . This study assessed knowledge about HPV, vaccination, means of protection, and sources of information among adolescents, and analyzed predictors of vaccination. This was an observational cross-sectional survey among girls and boys aged 15–19 in six secondary schools in France. The study was carried out as part of the mandatory health promotion program for third-year medical students. All 357 questionnaires were completed (100 % response rate). Girls were more likely to be informed about HPV than boys, with 67 % (159/238) of girls reporting prior information compared with 44 % (52/119) of boys ( p < 0.001). Vaccination uptake was higher among girls, with 40 % (95/238) vaccinated compared with 21 % (25/119) of boys ( p < 0.001). Vaccination was significantly more frequent in schools with a higher social position score ( p < 0.01). Overall knowledge about HPV was low without significant differences by gender, age, or school. Only 179/357 (50 %) adolescents knew that both girls and boys are affected by HPV, and only 218/357 (61 %) cited vaccination as protection. Social networks were the preferred means of communication about HPV for young people (270/357, 76 %), followed by advertisements on television or public transport (145/357, 41 %). General practitioners play a central role in informing young people about sexual health and HPV. Promoting information through social networks and public campaigns, seldom used for HPV, was encouraged by high school students. • This study examines HPV vaccination in Île-de-France high schools. • A total of 357 questionnaires were completed with a 100 % response rate. • HPV vaccination rates are low due to limited knowledge and poor information access. • Girls are more informed and vaccinated than boys; age has no significant impact. • Social networks are preferred for information; vaccination is correlated with social position score.