HPV Risk Perceptions and Knowledge Among Oklahoma Undergraduates: Implications for Vaccination Efforts

Authors

  • Krista Schumacher Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Center for Rural Health
  • Tracy Freudenthaler
  • Cynthia D. Lamon Oklahoma State University
  • Danielle Manship

Abstract

Background
HPV vaccination rates among young adults remain low. This study, guided by the Health Belief Model, examined Oklahoma undergraduates’ perceptions of HPV risk, risk factors, and HPV knowledge.

Methods
Surveys were administered to students aged 18-24 at two universities. Chi-square analysis assessed the relationship between vaccination status and perceived risk, while t-tests compared HPV knowledge scores across vaccination and perceived risk groups. Thematic coding was used to analyze responses to an open-ended question about HPV risk factors.

Results
Vaccination status was significantly associated with perceived risk. Of vaccinated respondents, 79% reported “below average” risk versus 60% of unvaccinated respondents. Vaccinated respondents had significantly higher HPV knowledge scores, but no significant differences were found between risk groups. Overall, HPV knowledge was low (mean score=47%). The most-cited factor for vaccinated respondents was the HPV vaccine (27%); for unvaccinated respondents it was not being sexually active (31%).

Conclusions
Regardless of vaccination status, respondents generally perceived their risk as low, yet most did not identify the HPV vaccine as a protective factor. Young adults who are not sexually active may hold a false sense of safety from HPV. Health care providers should emphasize that vaccination before sexual activity offers the best protection against HPV.

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2025): Articles

Section

Public Health

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