OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive system. Although most HPV infections are mild, it is a risk factor of cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, as well as screening uptake among university students.

METHODS: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study between November 2022 and February 2023 among university students from the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. Non-random, accidental sampling method was used to select full-time undergraduates of 18-25 years (N=102). A self-administered questionnaire was developed to measure sociodemographic data, as well as knowledge on HPV, HPV vaccines, cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Descriptive statistics, χ2 test and t test were calculated (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The majority of respondents were women (78.4%), students of humanities (26.5%) and live in rural area (61.8%). Mean age of the sample was 21.59±1.91 years. Only 8.8% of the students received HPV vaccination. 46% of women have not attended cervical cancer screening before. Mean score of the knowledge test was 15.98±4.53 points. Regarding knowledge level, significant difference was found between sexes (p=0.02), but not in marital status (p=0.292) and type of residence (p=0.098). A higher proportion of students use the internet to gather information. The knowledge level of vaccinated persons is higher than that of unvaccinated persons (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results will provide insights into students' knowledge, awareness and screening habits. The results of the survey will provide data for the development of further education programmes to increase the proportion of vaccinated individuals among students.