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Knowledge of the human papilloma virus and acceptance of its vaccine among male and female young adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.
Alghamdi, Reema Alghamdi, Maha Farsi, Nada Alyafi, Mohammad Alaidaroos, Shahad Almuwalad, Nada Alsaeedi, Raneem Alshobaki, Kienaz Aljabri, Rama Aljadani, Reem
Alghamdi, Reema
Alghamdi, Maha
Farsi, Nada
Alyafi, Mohammad
Alaidaroos, Shahad
Almuwalad, Nada
Alsaeedi, Raneem
Alshobaki, Kienaz
Aljabri, Rama
Aljadani, Reem
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Supervisor
Date
2025-11-17
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Abstract
This study assessed university students' awareness and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccine and willingness to accept vaccination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and identified factors associated with these outcomes. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study population included university-level male and female students. During the first term of the 2023-2024 academic year, eligible participants were sent an online questionnaire. The study variables included measures of sociodemographic factors, awareness and knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, and vaccine acceptance. We conducted descriptive analysis of awareness, good knowledge, and willingness to accept vaccination, and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine predictors of these outcomes. The study included 400 participants with a mean age of 21.4years, predominantly female and of Saudi nationality (93%). Awareness of HPV infection was reported by 49.3% of participants, while 44% were aware of the HPV vaccine. Among those aware of HPV, 82.2% recognized its link to cervical cancer, but misconceptions about HPV exist. Only 3.8% of participants had been vaccinated for HPV, and 33.5% expressed willingness to accept the vaccine. Age (per 1year increment; OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.62, < .001), mother's education level (doctorate or advanced degree vs. pre-high school; OR: 4.65, 95% CI: 1.51 to 14.32, = .007), and COVID-19 vaccine (received 3 doses vs.<3; OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.78 to 5.45, < .001) were significant predictors of better HPV awareness. Living abroad was significantly associated with higher HPV vaccination rates (OR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.27 to 15.1, = .02). Male students were less likely to be willing to accept vaccination than females (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.72, = .003). HPV awareness, knowledge, and vaccine acceptance remain low among Saudi university students, with very limited uptake. Older age, maternal education, and prior COVID-19 vaccination were key predictors of awareness, highlighting important targets for future public health strategies. Targeted university-based and digital interventions are urgently needed to address these gaps and support national and regional HPV vaccination strategies. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions and explore cultural and gender-specific barriers to HPV vaccine uptake.