Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Nursing Students in Spain

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to specific types of cancer, can be prevented by vaccination. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students about HPV and its vaccine as well as their intentions towards personal vaccination. A total of 536 Spanish nursing students were invited to complete the Spanish version of the questionnaire “Knowledge, attitudes and intentions towards HPV”. Overall, 367 surveys were completed (68.4% response rate). Data analysis included the calculation of three scores: the knowledge score, categorized into low (<33%), moderate (33%–66%), and good knowledge (>66%); the attitude score, sorted into positive (<2.5), neutral (2.5–3.5), and negative attitude (>3.5); and the intention score, categorized into not favorable (<4), neutral (4–7), and favorable intention (>7). Knowledge about HPV and its vaccine was moderate (54.34 +/- 0.9%), and the attitude towards vaccination was positive (2.34 +/- 0.03). The intention towards personal vaccination increased significantly after completing the questionnaire (before: 4.14 +/- 0.27, after: 6.02 +/- 0.28; p < 0.001). The present study highlights the need of training future nurses about HPV and its vaccine, considering the important role it plays in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.