. Title:
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among College-Going Girls (18–26 Years) in Delhi-NCR
Background:
Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge globally and is the fourth most common cancer among women. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden due to limited access to screening and preventive measures. India alone accounts for nearly one-quarter of the global cervical cancer burden. Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, is responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. Although HPV vaccination is a proven primary prevention strategy, uptake in India remains suboptimal due to limited awareness, financial constraints, misinformation, and sociocultural stigma. College-going girls aged 18–26 years represent a critical target group for intervention, as vaccination in early adulthood offers substantial protection and long-term cancer risk reduction.
Objectives:
To assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness (KAA) regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccination among college-going girls aged 18–26 years in Delhi-NCR, and to identify barriers to vaccine uptake and factors influencing awareness and vaccination status.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online survey was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025 among 506 female students from colleges across Delhi-NCR. Participants aged 18–26 years who provided informed consent were included. The structured questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV, awareness and perceptions of HPV vaccination, attitudes toward vaccination, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, and chi-square tests assessed associations between awareness and vaccination status, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Among respondents, 80.2% correctly identified cervical cancer as a malignancy of the cervix. Only 58.3% correctly identified HPV as a cancer-causing virus; 37.2% confused it with HIV/AIDS. Awareness of the HPV vaccine was reported by 51%, while only 11.9% had received at least one dose. Social media was the predominant information source (98%), underscoring both its reach and potential role in misinformation. Major barriers included financial constraints (48%), lack of awareness (40%), safety concerns (12%), and sociocultural stigma. Despite high perceived vaccine safety, uptake remained low. Higher awareness was significantly associated with vaccination status (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Significant knowledge gaps, misinformation, and sociocultural barriers persist among college-going girls in Delhi-NCR, limiting HPV vaccine uptake despite moderate awareness. Structured college-based education, credible digital health messaging, parental and peer engagement, and financial support mechanisms are urgently needed. Inclusion of HPV vaccination in India’s National Immunization Programme could substantially improve equitable access and accelerate progress toward WHO cervical cancer elimination targets.