Impact of health education on HPV vaccination coverage, and self-assessed knowledge in youth

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Vaccination of target groups reduces HPV-related complications. Health education and public awareness are key to prevention. This study assessed the impact of education on HPV awareness, vaccination coverage rate (HPV-VCR), and knowledge among eighth-grade students. Methods A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted in the 2022/2023 school year. Students were divided into a Subject group (n = 79), receiving structured education, and a Control group (n = 91), without intervention. Data were collected through questionnaires on information sources, vaccination status, and self-assessed knowledge at four time points: before, immediately after, and four and eight weeks post-intervention. Results Overall, 85.9% of students were familiar with HPV, significantly more in the Control group (P < 0.001). Only 21.2% actively sought information, mostly from family and friends. Physicians and schools were more common sources of information in the Control group (P < 0.001), while the Subject group was more often uninformed (P < 0.001). HPV-VCR was higher in the Subject group (64.6%) and among girls (P = 0.02). Before intervention, most students rated their knowledge as insufficient or sufficient, with higher scores in the Control group (P = 0.04). Eight weeks post-intervention, over 30% rated their knowledge as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent.’ Knowledge was lowest before and improved significantly after intervention (P < 0.001), peaking immediately post-intervention (P < 0.001) and remaining higher in the Subject group at four and eight weeks (P < 0.001). Conclusions Structured health education improves HPV-VCRs and self-assessed knowledge among school-aged children. Continuous efforts are required to further enhance HPV awareness and vaccination coverage. Key messages • Health education improves HPV knowledge and vaccination rates. • Targeted interventions raise awareness and support prevention among school-aged children and adolescents.