Undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of human papillomavirus and its prevention: a qualitative study guided by the Health Belief Model

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern and the leading cause of cervical cancer as well as several other malignancies. Despite its importance, there is limited qualitative evidence examining nursing students’ perceptions of HPV and its prevention in Saudi Arabia. This study sought to investigate undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of HPV and its prevention using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework. This descriptive qualitative study utilized six focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 36 eligible undergraduate nursing students from the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was conducted based on the HBM, employing its six constructs as predefined overarching analytic domains, while specific subthemes were developed inductively from participants’ accounts. The six deductive themes, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy, correspond to the HBM constructs. Inductively developed subthemes included inadequate understanding of HPV, low perceived personal susceptibility, misconceptions about vaccination safety and transmission, stigma, and challenges in discussing sensitive sexual health issues. Participants also described perceived institutional and educational influences on communication preparedness, professional relevance, and HPV knowledge. These findings do not demonstrate the efficacy of specific teaching methods but highlight educational needs within this sample. Undergraduate nursing students identified knowledge gaps, misunderstandings, stigma, societal challenges, and a lack of confidence when discussing HPV prevention. The findings emphasize the necessity of providing evidence-based and culturally sensitive education on HPV transmission, screening, vaccination, reproductive health issues, stigma, and communication skills. These needs could be met through case-based learning, role-playing, simulation and communication training, but the present study did not evaluate their effectiveness and further research is needed.