Attitudes Towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. More than 100 HPV types are known, about 40 may affect the genital tract, and at least 14 are considered high risk and associated with cancers in both women and men.

HPV vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures, yet public attitudes remain polarized. Awareness, socioeconomic status, education, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, and the growing influence of social media all shape vaccine acceptance.

Aim

To analyse factors influencing attitudes towards HPV vaccination among different population groups at European and international level.

Materials and Methods

The study analysed scientific studies, publications, and documents on public attitudes towards HPV vaccination available in Google Scholar and PubMed for 2008–2024. Ten publications addressing beliefs and attitudes across different socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious groups were included.

Results and Discussion

Parents and socioeconomic factors

Parents are central to vaccination decisions for children. Higher education and socioeconomic status are associated with greater awareness and more positive attitudes, whereas limited information and social inequalities may reinforce hesitancy.

Cultural and regional differences

Attitudes vary substantially across regions. Bulgarian evidence points to lower awareness and greater distrust; a Varna study reported about 37% distrust among surveyed parents. Western European attitudes are generally more positive, while cultural and religious barriers remain important in the Middle East. In one Saudi Arabian study, 59% had heard of HPV but only 9.4% of women had been vaccinated.

Healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals are key sources of reliable information. Training can improve their confidence and vaccination practices. In one reviewed study, 97% of seminar participants reported a positive effect on vaccination practice and 95% reported greater willingness to vaccinate.

Social media

Social media has a dual role: it can support health education but also spread misleading information and strengthen distrust. Clear, structured, accessible information can shift initially negative attitudes and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

COVID-19

The pandemic had both positive and negative effects. A cited U.S. study found that 22% of participants reported more positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination after the pandemic, while distrust increased in other groups.

Conclusion

Public awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination remains limited, with attitudes shaped by socioeconomic status, education, and ethnocultural background. Many people may reconsider negative attitudes when provided with clear, accessible, and reliable information.

Improving vaccination coverage requires targeted educational campaigns, active involvement of healthcare professionals, and effective use of social media to distribute trustworthy information and address fear and distrust.

Scientific Key Terms