Work

Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, vaccination status, and vaccine-related perceptions among university students in Phoenix, Arizona

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and capable of causing various reproductive cancers and genital warts. Late age adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable to HPV infection. The HPV vaccine remains publicly controversial despite its efficacy and safety profile. This descriptive cross-sectional study characterized HPV and HPV vaccine-related opinions, knowledge, and attitudes of enrolled students ( n = 147) at Arizona State University in 2024 using knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey methods. Purposive and convenience sampling across campus via flyer distribution, faculty advertisement, and online recruiting methods took place in the months leading up to a campus-wide HPV vaccination event. Study results revealed that approximately half (49.7%) of participants had received the HPV vaccine, but 22.4% were unsure of their vaccine status entirely. Half of survey participants were able to correctly respond to a knowledge question about the prevalence and personal risk of HPV when prompted. Findings concerning HPV prevalence knowledge was based on a specific survey item rather than an overall knowledge score. Among participants who had not gotten vaccinated or expressed reluctance to get vaccinated against HPV, fear of side effects and belief that one is not at risk for HPV were the most frequently selected justifications. Findings demonstrate that a significant proportion of students were unsure of their HPV vaccination status. Future research could focus on gendered differences among young adults related to knowledge of HPV prevalence and factors that impact HPV vaccine uptake.

Source: Vaccine X

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2026.100935

Authors: Eboni E. Andersun, Rachel Gur-Arie

Institution: Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,440