human papillomavirus vaccination intention among female students at mazandaran university of medical sciences

Background and purpose: human papillomavirus (hpv) is a highly infectious virus transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse. the hpv vaccine is the most effective way to prevent hpv-related cancers. this study investigates the predictors of intention to receive the hpv vaccine among female students at mazandaran university of medical sciences. materials and methods: this study was a cross-sectional study conducted on female students at different faculties of mazandaran university of medical sciences (2020-2021). the study participants (n=364) were selected through a quota sampling. the study tools comprised demographic information, a health belief model (hbm), and an intention questionnaire. the obtained data were analyzed using descriptive, multivariate linear regression, and correlation analyses using spss software version 20.results: the mean±sd age of the students participating in the study was 23.96±5.18 years. most were single (81%). among the students, only 3 (0.8%) had received the hpv vaccine. the lowest score was related to perceived benefits 3.68±0.57, and attitude 3.64±0.57 had the highest average score. based on the results, 33% of the intention to obtain the hpv vaccine was explained by the constructs of hbm. all constructs, except perceived barriers, had a statistically significant relationship with the hpv vaccine intention.conclusion: the beliefs and attitudes of the female students about hpv infection and vaccination were insufficient. so, there is a need to provide educational intervention by covering hpv issues and their complications in the curriculum of students before their graduation.