Abstract

Background:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other malignancies. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, uptake remains suboptimal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, play a crucial role in shaping vaccination practices.

Objectives:
This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of the HPV vaccine among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bangalore, India.

Methods:
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from April to May 2024, involving 400 medical students aged 18-25 years. A 40-item semi-structured survey assessed demographic characteristics, general attitudes toward vaccines, knowledge of HPV infection, cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination and attitude towards HPV vaccine. Knowledge scores were categorized as high (≥13) or low (

Key words: HPV Vaccine, Vaccine Acceptance, HPV Awareness, Medical students