Assessing HPV knowledge and predisposing factors among undergraduate students in Somalia: A cross-sectional study

Authors : Serpil Özdemir, Rabia Çağlayan, Leyla Yaman Üzümcü, Yasmin Mohamud Jama

Pages : 611-618

View : 86 | Download : 207

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction and Objective: Human papillomavirus infection is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly due to its association with cervical cancer. In countries like Somalia, where HPV vaccination is not included in the national immunization schedule, awareness and knowledge about HPV are crucial. This study aimed to assess university students’ knowledge and awareness regarding HPV in Somalia and to identify factors predicting their HPV knowledge levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 07 June and 18 June 2025 among nursing and midwifery students (n = 219) at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in Somalia. Data were collected using an introductory information form and the HPV Knowledge Scale. The introductory form included sociodemographic characteristics, prior HPV education, sources of HPV knowledge, vaccination status, and self-assessment of HPV knowledge using a Visual Analog Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of total HPV-KS scores. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.75 ± 1.91 years, and 95.5% were female. The mean total HPV-KS score was 10.28 ± 7.50 and Cronbach’s α was 0.91. The regression model explained 55% of the variance in total HPV Knowledge Scale (F = 18.23, p < 0.001, R² = 0.55). Conclusion: Culturally appropriate, community-based educational interventions targeting health professionals, health sciences students, and the wider population are needed to improve HPV knowledge and vaccination uptake. Further research including diverse populations and cultural contexts is recommended. 1. Agimas, M. C., Adugna, D. G., Derseh, N. M., Kassaw, A., Kassie, Y. T., Abate, H. K., & Mekonnen, C. K. (2024). Uptake of human papilloma virus vaccine and its determinants among females in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 842. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18141-5 2. Akalin, A. (2022). Knowledge and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccination and affecting factors among nursing and medical students: a questionnaire study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 42(7), 3315-3321. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2022.2124851 3. Ampofo, A. G., Boyes, A. W., Khumalo, P. G., & Mackenzie, L. (2022). Improving knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of cervical cancer prevention among female students: A systematic review and meta-analysis of school-based health education. Gynecologic oncology, 164(3), 675-690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.12.021 4. Arbyn, M., Weiderpass, E., Bruni, L., de Sanjosé, S., Saraiya, M., Ferlay, J., & Bray, F. (2020). Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018: a worldwide analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 8(2), e191-e203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30482-6 5. Bozkurt, F. D., & Özdemir, S. (2023). Validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the human papillomavirus knowledge scale: a methodological study. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association, 24(3), 177-186. https://doi.org/10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-10-9 6. Bruel, S., Rakotomampionona, Z., Gignon, M., Agrinier, N., Ndiaye, N. C., Lasset, C., ... & PrevHPV Study Group. (2024). The intentions of French health university students to recommend and to receive the HPV vaccine are mainly influenced by vaccine knowledge, confidence in vaccines and personal HPV vaccination. Vaccine, 42(8), 1934-1940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.033 7. Calo, W. A., Shah, P. D., Fogel, B. N., Ruffin IV, M. T., Moss, J. L., Hausman, B. L., ... & Kraschnewski, J. L. (2023). Increasing the adoption of evidence-based communication practices for HPV vaccination in primary care clinics: The HPV ECHO study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Contemporary clinical trials, 131, 107266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2023.107266 8. Chauhan, S., Tiwari, S. K., Dubey, V., Tripathi, P., Pandey, P., Singh, A., & Choudhary, N. P. S. (2025). Knowledge, attitude, and reasons for non-uptake of human papilloma virus vaccination among nursing students. BMC medicine, 23(1), 35. https://doi.org /10.1186/s12916-025-03874-w. 9. Dönmez, E., Akyüz, S., Timurlenk, F. H., Temiz, G., Sahin, S. Y., & Eker, H. H. (2025). Cervical Cancer Screening among Somali Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Health Belief Model. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, 52(5), 26978. https://doi.org/10.31083/CEOG26978 10. Dönmez, S., Öztürk, R., Kısa, S., Karaoz, W.B., Zeyneloğlu, S. (2019). Knowledge and perception of female nursing students about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. Journal of American College Health, 67(5):410-417. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1484364.
Keywords : Human Papillomavirus, HPV Bilgisi, HPV Aşısı, Somali

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