Zahide YAVUZ, Hatice Nilden ARSLAN
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - 2026;43(1):52-58
This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of intern doctors at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine (OMUTF) regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and to evaluate their HPV vaccination status. The study was conducted among intern doctors from OMUTF during the 2023-2024 academic year, as part of a descriptive study planned between January ,2024, and June 30, 2024. The goal was to include all 270 students without selecting a sample, and the study was completed with 256 participants (95%). Of the participants, 41.8% were male and 58.2% were female, with ages ranging between 22 and 31 years. The median score on the HPV Knowledge Scale was 23 (range:8-31). Only 2.7% of the participants reported having received the HPV vaccine. No significant association was found between vaccination status and gender, HPV knowledge scale scores, economic status, parental education levels, or history of sexual intercourse. Additionally, 89.5% of women and 47.2% of men who had not yet received the HPV vaccine expressed intent to get vaccinated in the future. Willingness to be vaccinated was significantly higher among women. Of those not considering HPV vaccination,50.7% cited a lack of perceived necessity, while 15.4% mentioned cost as a deterrent. Participants who were considering vaccination had significantly higher scores on the HPV Knowledge Scale, HPV vaccine knowledge, and knowledge of current HPV vaccination programs. Raising awareness about HPV among students and their parents, and improving access to the vaccine by offering it free of charge, are key factors that could increase vaccination rates.
