Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the HPV Vaccine Among Secondary School Students
Author(s)
András Kecskés, .1, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2, Ilona Karácsony, BSc, MSc, PhD3, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD4, Réka Vajda, BSc, MSc, PhD4.
1Babits Mihály School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Babits Mihály School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge of secondary and high school students about HPV infection, the HPV vaccine, and related diseases, as well as their opinions and needs concerning the vaccination.
METHODS: This quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive research was conducted using an online questionnaire between March and April 2025. A non-random, targeted expert sampling method was applied, involving 100 secondary school and high school students (both boys and girls) aged 14-21. Respondents who completed less than 70% of the questionnaire were excluded from the analysis. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitudes related to HPV. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, as well as chi-square (χ²) tests and t-tests, with the significance level set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: Among the surveyed students, 55% had already received the HPV vaccine. Girls and students attending academic high schools scored significantly higher on HPV-related knowledge questions (p<0.05). There was a weak but positive correlation between the level of HPV knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between the type of information sources and knowledge level (p>0.05), and advancing age was not associated with more positive vaccination attitudes (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: To increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine, it is essential to improve students' knowledge. Effective methods may include school-based health education in the form of presentations and online informational sessions.
METHODS: This quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive research was conducted using an online questionnaire between March and April 2025. A non-random, targeted expert sampling method was applied, involving 100 secondary school and high school students (both boys and girls) aged 14-21. Respondents who completed less than 70% of the questionnaire were excluded from the analysis. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitudes related to HPV. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, as well as chi-square (χ²) tests and t-tests, with the significance level set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: Among the surveyed students, 55% had already received the HPV vaccine. Girls and students attending academic high schools scored significantly higher on HPV-related knowledge questions (p<0.05). There was a weak but positive correlation between the level of HPV knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between the type of information sources and knowledge level (p>0.05), and advancing age was not associated with more positive vaccination attitudes (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: To increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine, it is essential to improve students' knowledge. Effective methods may include school-based health education in the form of presentations and online informational sessions.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH153
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Vaccines