Assessing HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Behavior in Medical Students

Background: Human papillomavirus is a major global health concern. Our Goal was to evaluate HPV vaccination awareness among students at Tbilisi State Medical University, assess rate of its administration and identify factors influencing vaccination uptake. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 247 students from Tbilisi State Medical University. Data were acquired by an online questionnaire and analysed in Stata 14.0 using descriptive and analytical methods. Results: Knowledge of HPV transmission was high (97.98%), but significant gender-based knowledge gaps were noticed regarding vaccination age (p=0.036), protection scope (p=0.014), and side effects (p<0.001). Faculty differences were also noted in knowledge of vaccine protection duration (p=0.014). Vaccination uptake was low (19.03%), with rates differing by faculty (p=0.025). Future intentions also varied, as refusal to vaccinate was significantly higher among female students (p<0.001). Decision-making influences differed significantly; medical students relied more on parents (p=0.001) and lectures (p=0.011), while public health students were influenced more by friends (p=0.019) and independent choice (p=0.001). Primary barriers included perceived lack of access, reported more by medical students (p<0.001), and the belief the vaccine was unnecessary, more common among public health students (p<0.001). Conclusions: While most students are aware that HPV vaccine exists, there is still a disturbing gap between awareness and vaccination practice. Targeted teaching campaigns that address students individual concerns and misconceptions could significantly improve immunization rates.