Assess the knowledge and attitude of hpv vaccine Among non-medical undergraduate students at chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the leading gynecologic cancers globally, ranked 4th among all cancers in women. It significantly affects women’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Diagnosis and treatment can disrupt daily life, relationships, and careers. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the HPV vaccine among non-medical undergraduate students.

Methodology: A total of 358 undergraduate students were selected from Dwaraka Doss Govardhan Doss Vaishnav College in Chennai. Data was collected using an interview method with a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher to assess knowledge, and a 3-point Likert scale was developed to assess attitudes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: The study showed that 83% of students had inadequate knowledge about the HPV vaccine, with only 13% demonstrating moderate knowledge. Additionally, 77% of students exhibited a negative attitude toward vaccination. The mean knowledge score was 1.20 (SD = 0.44), and the mean attitude score was 1.22 (SD = 0.47), indicating poor knowledge and attitudes. A positive correlation (r = 0.32, p = 0.001) was found between knowledge and attitude, suggesting that lack of knowledge contributes to negative attitudes toward the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion: Non-medical students show a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. Implementing awareness programs in colleges can improve knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and increase vaccine acceptance among students.