Knowledge and attitudes of medical staff and medical students towards human papilloma virus (hpv) infections and vaccinations – literature review and implications for health education

Abstract Effective prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is a global public health challen ge, and its success depends largely on the knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel. Selected studies on this topic demonstrate that the level of this knowledge varies significantly depending on the medical profession and country, often revealing significant gaps, especially in detailed information about the virus and the vaccine. Furthermore, literature analysis demonstrates a clear gap between knowledge and practice – despite generally positive attitudes toward vaccination, HPV vaccination rates among healthcare professionals and medical students remain low. This indicates the need to implement systematic and targeted educational interventions for medical professionals (physicians, nurses, midwives) and among medical students, which is crucial for improving the quality of counseling and increasing public acceptance of vaccinations.