Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common vaccine-preventable cancers. An amalgamation of timely screening and vaccination is an effective strategy to combat the prevalence of cervical cancer. We sought to assess knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding HPV cancer, screening, and vaccination as these are the bases for developing attitudes and practices which, in the long run, shall change the culture of the community for primary prevention.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with an anonymous questionnaire to check knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. The study was conducted for MBBS, physiotherapy, and nursing students aged between 17 and 24 years across all years at Bhaikaka University, irrespective of gender. Prior consent from the participants was taken while filling out the questionnaire.
Results: Out of 868 students, 76% responded. Females were double than males, and there is no statistical difference between them. Overall knowledge regarding cancer was���>���80%, but screening knowledge was���<���10%, and that regarding vaccination was around 50%. There is a visible statistical difference between MBBS and non-MBBS students. More than���>���80% have positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, but only 7.72% are vaccinated. 42.7% had accepted a lack of knowledge as the reason for not getting vaccinated.
Conclusion: Partial knowledge and poor vaccination, even in advanced age and healthcare communities, suggest a strong need for community intervention at the early adolescent age by a multispecialty and multidisciplinary team.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-023-01891-4.
