HPV knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students in non-health-related faculties at suleyman demirel university and the HPV health belief model

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels, beliefs, and attitudes of university students enrolled in non-health-related faculties at Süleyman Demirel University regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccination, and to examine the relationship of these variables with sociodemographic characteristics and vaccination status. Materials andd Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 using a face-to-face questionnaire. The survey consisted of three parts: a sociodemographic data form, the HPV Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS), and the Health Belief Model Scale for HPV and Its Vaccine (HBM-HPV). Results: The HPV vaccination rate among participants was 1.5%. The mean total score of HPV-KS was 11.3 ± 5.9. Mean subscale scores of HBM-HPV were as follows: perceived benefits 8.1 ± 1.9, perceived susceptibility 5.2 ± 1.4, perceived severity 11.9 ± 2.6, and perceived barriers 11.0 ± 2.8. Female students, those who were married/divorced/widowed, and those with a family history of cervical cancer were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Vaccinated participants had significantly higher HPV-KS total and vaccination program knowledge scores and lower perceived barriers scores compared with unvaccinated ones (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that being female, having a mother with a high school or higher education, alcohol use, and sexual experience increased HPV-KS scores, while having an employed father decreased them. Being married/divorced/widowed and having an employed mother increased perceived barriers scores, whereas sexual experience and higher HPV-KS scores reduced them (p < 0.05). Results: The findings indicate that HPV knowledge among non-health faculty students is insufficient and vaccination rates are extremely low. Knowledge alone is not sufficient to promote vaccination behavior; perceived risk, disease severity, and perceived barriers play key roles. Interventions that enhance knowledge and reduce perceived barriers are needed to improve HPV vaccine acceptance among university students.