An exploratory study of undergraduate healthcare student perspectives regarding human papillomavirus and vaccine intent in India

Abstract

Objective: Safe and effective human papillomavirus vaccines are available against cervical cancer and other human papillomavirus–associated diseases. Vaccine uptake is low in India given lack of universal vaccination programme. This exploratory study describes the medical, dental and nursing undergraduate student perspectives about human papillomavirus and intentions to receive the vaccine. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, explorative study design, we conducted two focus group discussions among a convenience sample of male (n = 11) and female (n = 9) student group aged ⩾18 years, respectively, at a medical college in South India. The focus group discussion sessions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Over half of the students showed adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus. Medical students had much in-depth knowledge of cervical cancer, vaccine cost and its side effects compared to dental and nursing students. Human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge was relatively less among males compared to females; most male participants were unaware of the availability of the human papillomavirus vaccine. Intention to receive the vaccine was higher among females than males. All the participants had positive attitude in creating awareness in the community and making the vaccine cost-effective. Cultural concerns and high vaccine cost were cited major barriers for vaccine uptake. Suggestion of physician recommendation in promotion of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake was an emerging theme. Conclusion: Educating male students and those enrolled in dental and nursing courses about human papillomavirus vaccine, addressing cultural concerns and advocating provider recommendation for promoting vaccine uptake are potential strategies to improve future human papillomavirus vaccine intent among students and recommendations to patients in their role as future healthcare provider.

Awareness and Knowledge of Medical, Nursing and Midwifery Students About Human Papillomavirus Infection and its Vaccine in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2020

“…It was no wonder that medical students would have higher awareness rates toward HPV due to the information they receive as a part of their education. This finding is consistent with other studies from India and Malaysia [20,41], which indicated a higher level of HPV awareness among medical students compared to nursing students. A similar study on medical and nursing students in Turkey also showed that nursing students have lower-level knowledge of HPV [42].…”

“…The finding of this study indicated that most than half of the study participants had good awareness/knowledge about the HPV infection and its vaccine. This finding is consistent with the studies conducted in Iran [17,18], Iraq [19] and India [20]. However, this finding is higher than the studies done in Malaysia [21] and Turkey [22].…”

The impact of health education interventions on HPV vaccination uptake, awareness, and acceptance among people under 30 years old in India: a literature review with systematic search

“…Out of these 7 studies, two included both female and male participants. Both studies were university-based studies and the participants were undergraduate healthcare students ( 39 , 40 ). The geographical location of the studies varied, with 2 of them taking place in rural areas and 2 in universities in Mangalore ( Figure 2 ) ( 39 , 40 ).…”

“…Two studies targeting healthcare students in Mangalore by Padmanabha et al and by Shetty et. al reported the use of audio-visual presentations lasting from 5 to 20 min ( 39 , 40 ). In a study by Ramavath & Olyai targeting adolescent girls in schools and colleges across urban India, the researchers provided lectures focusing on health ( 2 ).…”

“…Four studies examined the awareness of the participants regarding HPV, cervical cancer, HPV vaccine, screening methods, and symptoms of cervical cancer two of which reported poor awareness ( 2 , 38 – 40 ). In the study by Shetty et al among 20 healthcare students in Mangalore, more than 50% of the participants were identified to have adequate knowledge with the majority of which were medical students.…”