Assessment of Barriers to the Acceptance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among B.Sc. Nursing Students of a Nursing College in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance is crucial for preventing HPV-related diseases, yet misconceptions and limited awareness hinder uptake among nursing students, who face an elevated risk due to patient exposure. This study examines the willingness of B.Sc. Nursing students are to receive the HPV vaccine and identify key barriers influencing their acceptance. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months (November–December 2024) at a Government College of Nursing, Kolkata. All eligible second-, third-, and fourth-year B.Sc. Nursing students were included through complete enumeration. Data were collected via an e-questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, HPV awareness, vaccine availability, community acceptance, and psychological determinants using the 5C scale. Ethical approvals and electronic informed consent were obtained. Results: Of the 198 eligible nursing students, 145 participated in the study. While 98% recognized cervical cancer as HPV-related, awareness of other HPV-associated conditions was lower. Only 6.2% had received the vaccine, yet 91.9% of unvaccinated students expressed willingness, indicating a gap between intent and uptake. Barriers included lack of awareness, cost concerns, and misconceptions. The 5C scale revealed strong confidence in vaccine safety (mean: 5.3), minimal constraints (mean: 2.4), and high collective responsibility (mean: 5.4). Conclusion: The acceptance of the HPV vaccine was alarmingly low among nursing students. Despite high willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, significant barriers persist. Addressing myths, improving accessibility, and promoting institutional engagement are crucial for bridging the gap between intent and uptake, thereby strengthening HPV prevention efforts.