A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptability of HPV Vaccination Among Final Year Medical Students in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, sources of information, preferred vaccination venues, and perceived barriers regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among final-year medical students in Pakistan, and to evaluate the association between knowledge and attitude.
Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from 1^st August 2025 to 30^th September 2025.
Methods: A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, HPV knowledge (eligibility, recommended age, dosing schedule), attitudes, information sources, preferred vaccination venues, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and analysis was performed to assess the association between knowledge and attitude (α = 0.05).
Results: Fifty students from Fauji Foundation Hospital participated (mean age 23.7 ± 1.06 years; majority female and urban). Knowledge was predominantly moderate, with gaps in identifying the recommended ages for vaccination (9–14 years), the dosing schedule, and the need to vaccinate both males and females. Attitudes were largely positive: most participants supported HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention, endorsed inclusion in national programs, and expressed a willingness to recommend vaccination in future clinical practice. Workshops, textbooks, and formal teaching sessions were the most common and hospitals,
universities, and schools were the preferred vaccination venues. Reported barriers included limited awareness, cultural concerns, misinformation, mistrust, and financial constraints. The association between knowledge and attitude was weak and not statistically significant (r = 0.154, P = 0.331).
Conclusion: Final-year medical students demonstrated positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination but had notable knowledge gaps and reported sociocultural and access-related barriers. Integrating structured HPV education into medical curricula, strengthening provider communication skills, and enhancing access through national immunization pathways can improve future vaccine advocacy and uptake in Pakistan.