Background of the Study: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted
infection responsible for various cancers, including cervical cancer, which is a significant global
health concern. HPV vaccination has proven to be an effective strategy in preventing HPV-related
cancers. In India, where the burden of cervical cancer is particularly high, efforts to increase HPV
vaccination rates are crucial. Medical and paramedical students, as future healthcare professionals,
play a pivotal role in disseminating information about preventive healthcare practices, including
HPV vaccination. Aims: The aim of research study was to assess knowledge and acceptance of HPV
Vaccination among medical and paramedical students. Material and Method: A cross-sectional
research design and a quantitative survey approach were employed to gather data from a sample of
427 female students studying in Medical and Paramedical colleges in Vadodara. The study included
female students aged 18 to 22 years who were pursuing MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, Bachelor of
Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Nursing, and Ayurvedic programs. Male students, Third year & final
year students of bachelor's programs and postgraduate students were excluded from the study. Data
was gathered using a demographic tool and a self-structured questionnaire to assess the participants'
current knowledge and willingness to accept the HPV vaccine. Data analysis involved the use ofdescriptive and inferential statistics, employing SPSS-20 software. Ethical clearance was obtained
from the ethical committee of Sumandeep Vidyapeeth (SVIEC), and participants provided their
consent before participating in the study. Result: The findings from this study provide a
comprehensive overview of knowledge and Acceptability regarding HPV vaccination among
medical and paramedical students. The majority, 56%, exhibited a satisfactory level of knowledge,
while 44% had a moderate level of knowledge, with scores ranging from 3 to 22. 12.64% confirmed
they were vaccinated against the HPV virus, while 87.35% reported not being vaccinated. Among
those who hadn't received the vaccine, various reasons were cited. The majority (15.54%) mentioned
unavailability of the vaccine, 23.86% expressed concerns and queries, 16.08% claimed to be
unaware of the vaccine, 24.66% cited fear as a factor, and 19.83% considered the vaccine too
expensive. In terms of their willingness to receive the HPV vaccine and recommend to family and
friends, 64.8% of participants expressed a willingness to be vaccinated, while 35.2% expressed a
lack of willingness to receive the vaccine and recommend it to family and friends. Conclusion:
These findings underscore the need for educational interventions to improve knowledge about HPV
vaccination among future healthcare professionals. Efforts to address barriers to vaccination, such as
availability and cost, are essential to increase HPV vaccine uptake. Ultimately, the study emphasizes
the pivotal role that medical and paramedical students can play in promoting preventive healthcare
practices, including HPV vaccination, in the context of India's public health concerns related to
cervical cancer and HPV.
Keywords: Knowledge, Acceptability, HPV Vaccine, Cervical cancer, Paramedical and
Medical students
Publication date: 15/12/2023
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/December/MS_IJBPAS_2023_DECEMBER_SPCL_1045.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.12.1045
