Knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices regarding human papillomavirus among health and social science female students in Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Authors

Birhanemaskal Malkamu, Abiyu Ayalew, Addisu Melake, Alemie Fentie, Ayenew Assefa, Ayenew Berhan, Birhanu Getie, Birhanu Malede, Biruk Legese, Dagnaw Mersha Tegegne, Dejen Gedamu Damtie, Dessie Tegegne, Eninur Dejen, Fisseha Nigussie Dagnew, Gebrehiwot Berie Mekonnen, Getu Abeje, Habtamu Demlash, Kindie Mitiku, Rahel Mulatie Anteneh, Samuel Berihun Dagnew, Shewaneh Damtie, Tadese Sisay, Teklehaimanot Kiros, Temesgen Lingerh Endalew, Tigabu Eskeziya Zerihun, Mulat Erkihun, Wondimnew Desalegn Addis, Yirgalem Abere, Getaneh Atikilt Yemata, Mahider Shimelis Feyisa

Published in

PloS one. Volume 21. Issue 10. Pages e0359838. Epub Oct 05, 2026.

Abstract

University students are vital for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) prevention, yet comparative data between academic disciplines remain limited. This study compared HPV knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among female health and Social Science students at Debre Tabor University.
To compare HPV knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices (KAP) among female Health and Social Science students and identify sociodemographic predictors of these outcomes.
Design: Institutional-Based, comparative cross-sectional study. Setting: Debre Tabor University, Northwest Ethiopia, conducted from June to July 2025.
HPV knowledge (good vs. poor), attitudes (good vs. poor), and vaccination practices (good vs. poor). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of poor outcomes.
Health science students (HSS) reported higher awareness (83.6% vs. 56.7%) and more positive attitudes (57.3% vs. 37.6%) than Social Science students (SSS). However, both groups exhibited poor knowledge: 61.2% of HSS and 80.9% of SSS scored <50% on knowledge questions, and critically low vaccination rates (HSS: 18.2%; SSS: 15.2%). For HSS, lack of prior awareness was the strongest predictor of poor practice (AOR = 7.61, 95% CI = 1.65-35.12). For SSS, second-year students had 3.39 times higher odds of poor practice compared to seniors (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.04-10.99). SSS predominantly relied on social media (45.0%), while HSS used academic sources (67.5%).
A profound knowledge-practice gap exists regardless of the field of study. High reliance on social media among SSS and low practice among mid-level students suggest that university-based interventions could potentially contribute to national efforts, though achieving population-level targets requires multi-sectoral strategies..

PMID:
42832555
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Oct 2026.

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