KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION AND VACCINATION AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS IN TELANGANA, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and a major cause of cervical and other anogenital cancers. Although effective vaccines are available, awareness and preventive practices remain limited. As future healthcare providers, pharmacy students play a critical role in vaccine advocacy, making their knowledge and attitudes toward HPV particularly important. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding HPV infection and vaccination among pharmacy students in Telangana, India, and to examine the association between KAP levels and selected sociodemographic variables. Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study (Nov 2024–Apr 2025) was conducted among Bachelor and Doctor of Pharmacy students (aged 18–26) at a private institution. Data were collected via a pre-validated questionnaire on sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. SPSS was used for analysis (Spearman’s correlation, chi-square; p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The findings revealed that the analysis of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) scores among 451 pharmacy students showed significant variations across age, gender, education level, and other demographic factors. Older students (>21 years) demonstrated a higher proportion of good knowledge scores (38%). Female participants had a higher proportion of good knowledge scores (24%). Pharm D students had the highest proportion of good knowledge scores (33%). In contrast, gender, marital status, and religion had limited or no significant influence in most categories. Conclusion: Among young adults, especially pharmacy students, gaps remain in HPV knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, influenced by both educational and personal factors. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted, evidence-based HPV education to equip future pharmacists for effective vaccine advocacy and to strengthen public health outcomes.