HPV Awareness and Vaccination - Are Men and Women equally aware? -A study among college students of Jamshedpur

Avhipsha   Kar; Oindrila  Chakraborty; Chinmaya Dash; Sopia  Mukherjee

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1463

Authors

Avhipsha Kar Student, Department of Microbiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Oindrila Chakraborty Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Chinmaya Dash Professor & HOD, Department of Microbiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Sopia Mukherjee Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1463

Keywords:

HPV vaccination, Cervical cancer awareness, Cancer risk awareness, Gender gap in health education

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread sexually transmitted infection associated with several cancers. Despite its prevalence, awareness of HPV and its related health implications remains insufficient, particularly among men and younger adults. This study aims to investigate HPV awareness and vaccination coverage among college students in Jamshedpur, with a specific focus on gender disparities.

Methods: Data were collected from 339 college students using a validated questionnaire that assessed knowledge of HPV, vaccination status, and related attitudes. The study analyzed participants' awareness of HPV and its link to cancer, as well as their vaccination history. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences in awareness and vaccination rates between genders and among different academic streams.

Results: The findings revealed moderate awareness of HPV among participants, with 62.8% having heard of the virus and 56.0% recognizing its association with cancer. Women showed significantly higher awareness than men, particularly regarding HPV’s link to cancer (64.0% vs. 46.0%, p = 0.003) and the availability of the HPV vaccine (63.0% vs. 48.7%, p = 0.024). Vaccination rates were low overall, with only 12.4% of participants reporting being vaccinated. A notable gender gap in vaccination rates was observed (16.9% of women vs. 6.7% of men, p = 0.008). Additionally, students from science streams demonstrated better awareness compared to those in arts and commerce, while younger participants (ages 15-25) exhibited greater knowledge of HPV risks.

Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of awareness regarding HPV, significant gaps remain, particularly in vaccine uptake and the inclusion of HPV vaccination in national immunization programs. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives and vaccination campaigns aimed at bridging these knowledge gaps and improving health outcomes related to HPV.

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