Knowledge on HPV among parents of children attending Polish primary schools

Abstract Background Despite the availability of HPV vaccines, their uptake remains limited in Poland and Ukraine. This research aimed to assess knowledge about HPV among parents of children attending Polish primary schools. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 among parents of children/adolescents aged 9-15 years, registered to 5 primary schools in Zielona Góra, Poland, with the highest numbers of Ukrainian children. Knowledge was assessed by giving 1 point for each correct answer to anonymous, self-administered questionnaire (score range: 0-14 points). All variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with “good knowledge” in the bivariate analysis were used to build a logistic regression model. Results Overall, 152 parents participated (mean age 39.6±6.0, 85.5% females); 36.8% self-reported their SES as high, 52.0% reported high education level; 9.9% were Ukrainian migrants. The mean HPV knowledge score was 6.7; 40.1% parents scored >50% (26.6% Ukrainians vs 43.1% Poles; p = 0.22). Particular gaps were detected relating to knowledge of HPV transmission and HPV-related cancers. Only 13.9% Polish parents knew about possible transmission routes of HPV infection, only 6.7% Ukrainian parents correctly answered which malignancies are associated with HPV infection in males. The knowledge level was higher among participants with ≤ 2 children (OR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.14, 4.43) and those with family history of cancer (OR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.04, 4.09). Conclusions The research shows disturbingly low HPV knowledge among parents of primary school children in Poland. Knowledge gaps call for awareness campaigns which may increase vaccination, screening and diagnosis; audiences representing lower knowledge level, defined in this study, should be targeted first. Key messages • The findings highlight the need for tailored educational initiatives, including the school level. • Ukrainian parents should be incorporated to the educational actions due to significant gaps in HPV knowledge.