Peer-reviewed article
[HPV vaccine acceptability and knowledge among university students].
Emmie Cascade, Phuong Lien Tran ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined HPV vaccine acceptability among 714 university students in Réunion, France, where vaccination coverage remains low despite national recommendations. Overall vaccine acceptability was 61.3%, but students showed limited knowledge about HPV transmission, scoring an average of 1.9 out of 4 on transmission questions. Non-vaccinated students were more likely to be scholarship recipients, though 46.1% expressed willingness to be vaccinated. The researchers suggest that university-based vaccination interventions could help improve coverage rates in this island region.
Key points
- Overall HPV vaccine acceptability rate was 61.3% among university students
- Students demonstrated limited knowledge about HPV transmission with a mean score of 1.9 out of 4
- Non-vaccinated students were significantly more likely to be scholarship recipients (p=0.033)
- 46.1% of non-vaccinated students reported willingness to be vaccinated
- University-based interventions are proposed as a strategy to increase vaccination coverage in Réunion
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and descriptive, so it cannot establish causal relationships or show changes over time. The online self-administered questionnaire may not capture the full student population and responses cannot be verified.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. In France, HPV vaccination is recommended for children aged 11 to 14, with a catch-up campaign recently extended up to age 26. In Réunion, vaccination coverage remains insufficient despite national recommendations. Vaccinating adult students, who are autonomous in their decisions and no longer require parental consent, could serve as a lever to increase vaccination rates. The primary objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of HPV vaccination among students at the University of Réunion. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted from January 13 to January 29, 2026, using an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire. Students from different university campuses were included. RESULTS: Among 725 recorded connections, 714 students were included and 474 fully completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 21.0±4.3 years. The overall vaccine acceptability rate was 61.3%. Knowledge appeared limited, with a mean transmission score of 1.9±1.1 out of 4 on questions concerning transmission of the virus. Non-vaccinated students were more frequently scholarship recipients (p=0.033), and 46.1% reported willingness to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION: In the context of catch-up vaccination extended up to 26 years, targeted university-based interventions could improve vaccination coverage in this insular territory.