Determining human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination behaviors of university students using the theory of planned behavior

The aim of this study is to determine the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination behaviors of university students within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The universe of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was composed of 392 students studying in all undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Hitit University in Çorum province in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey between November 15, 2024 and April 6, 2025. Data were collected via the Student Identification Form, HPV Knowledge Scale and HPV Vaccine Behavior Survey. Data were collected with the students via face-to-face interviews. ttest, Variance Analysis and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used in the analysis of data. The mean HPV Knowledge Scale score of the students participating in our study was 9.24±6.90 and the mean HPV Vaccine Behavior Survey score was 73.58±22.53. According to the score obtained from the HPV Knowledge Scale, the participants have low level of knowledge and according to the score obtained from the HPV Vaccination Behavior Questionnaire, they have a negative attitude above the middle. Behavioral beliefs and normative beliefs vary according to socio-demographic characteristics. As a result, increasing HPV knowledge positively affects vaccination behavior. Increasing awareness by providing education and counseling about HPV by nurses can reduce negative attitudes towards HPV vaccines and improve vaccination behaviors.