Rate of human papillomavirus vaccination and knowledge of human papillomavirus literacy in secondary school students from Northern Thailand: post COVID-19 era

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs and media campaigns promoting HPV literacy were disrupted. As a result, many targeted students remained unvaccinated during that period. This study aimed to evaluate HPV vaccination coverage and health literacy among secondary school students in the recent post-COVID-19 era. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and August 2023 among 600 students (grades 7-12) from six Thai schools in Chiang Mai, a province in northern Thailand. The study assessed HPV vaccination status and HPV-related health literacy. RESULTS: Among the participants (mean age 14.9 years; 47.3% female), only 21.5% (n = 120) reported receiving the HPV vaccine, with 58.3% (n = 70) completing the full course. Government supply was the primary source of vaccination, and 92.2% of vaccinated students were female. Significant differences in health literacy were observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated students, particularly in knowledge of HPV's association with cervical cancer, vaccine efficacy, safety, and perceived necessity. Differences were also evident regarding perceived cost, government promotion, awareness of national HPV policies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination uptake. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the persistently low HPV vaccination rate among secondary school students in northern Thailand, accompanied by notable disparities in health literacy. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, and to strengthen public health initiatives aimed at overcoming barriers and increasing vaccine uptake.