Vaccines
Expanding HPV Vaccine Among Young Adults: A Preventive Step Against Gynecological Cancers
By Eti ST, Kaya İG, Bal A and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major preventable cause of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccination, knowledge gaps and misconceptions continue to limit vaccine uptake among young adults. This study aimed to evaluate HPV awareness, attitudes and beliefs regarding HPV testing, and vaccination-related health beliefs among young adults and to examine the relationships among these constructs.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 313 young adults aged 18-25 years in Turkey. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Personal Information Form, the HPV Awareness and Concern Scale, the HPV Testing Attitudes and Beliefs Scale, and the Health Belief Model Scale for HPV Infection and Vaccination. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analyses, and post hoc tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.