Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward HPV and HPV Vaccine Among Students of a University in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to determine university students’ knowledge and attitudes in Cyprus regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 601 university students in Cyprus between March 2025 and June 2025 using quota-based convenience sampling. Undergraduate students in the faculties of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, and Engineering completed a detailed questionnaire assessing HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and attitudes, as well as variables including gender, age, year of study, field of study, and self-reported racial/ethnic categories as operationalised in the survey, age at first sexual intercourse, sexual orientation, smoking, and history of number of sexual partners. The questionnaire assessed knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine, as well as attitudes and the self-reported reasons behind them. Results: Females and health-care students showed higher awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Knowledge also increased with higher year of study and age. Among the variables examined, students aged over 24 had the highest vaccination rate. The most cited self-reported reasons for receiving the vaccine were to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. Attitudes towards the HPV vaccine varied markedly across variables. Conclusions: HPV knowledge is directly related to preventive efforts, and young adults are key actors. Further research into attitudes towards the HPV vaccine and the reasons behind them may increase vaccination and decrease HPV-related cancers globally.