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. 2025 Mar 29;17(3):e81426.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.81426. eCollection 2025 Mar.

An Examination of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Undergraduate Students in Saint Lucia

Esther S Daniel  1 , Tisha Nelson  2 , Gloria Ramdeen-Mootoo  3 , Abdulqadir J Nashwan  4 , Parbatee Siewdass  5 , Virginia Mary  6
Affiliations

An Examination of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Undergraduate Students in Saint Lucia

Esther S Daniel et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Objective: In the Caribbean, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality. Without interventions, the incidence is predicted to increase by 66% within the next decade, with over 56,000 women being diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and more than 28,000 succumbing to the disease. However, lifesaving prevention and treatment measures are available. This research sought to explore potential differences in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations among male and female undergraduate students at a chosen Community College in St. Lucia.

Methods: This investigation utilized a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional approach. Participants (n = 100) were chosen through random sampling and completed 59-item self-administered questionnaires addressing the targeted variables. Multivariable statistical techniques were employed to determine independent predictors of HPV vaccine acceptance among participants.

Results: Despite recognizing the associated risks, the findings highlighted a substantial deficit in public health promotion efforts. First, although HPV is widespread in St. Lucia and causes cancer in both genders, there is insufficient awareness-raising about HPV. Second, the vaccine is not accessible in St. Lucia. Third, the high expenses associated with the vaccine ($500 US) and HPV test ($275 EC) hinder obtaining them. Finally, HPV vaccine uptake was minimal among participants; only seven out of 100 had been vaccinated and received it in the US. Despite low vaccine uptake, 53% acknowledged the urgent need for vaccination.

Conclusions: Integrating HPV vaccination within healthcare and HPV awareness initiatives can yield positive outcomes in mitigating cancer's long-term impact on St. Lucia's male and female populations. Educational programs could prove advantageous in enhancing knowledge about HPV and vaccinations.

Keywords: cervical cancer; hpv vaccination; human papilloma virus; pap smear; sexually transmitted infection (sti).

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The University of the West Indies (UWI) Campus Ethics Committee issued approval CEC209/05/16. I am pleased to advise that your application for research on the above-captioned topic has been approved on behalf of the Campus Ethics Committee. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Conceptual framework
HPV: human papillomavirus; STI: sexually transmitted infection Image credits: This is an original image created by the author Esther S. Daniel
Figure 2
Figure 2. Classification of respondents according to awareness of HPV (n = 100)
HPV: human papillomavirus Image credits: This is an original image created by the author Esther S. Daniel
Figure 3
Figure 3. Respondents source of information on HPV (n = 100)
HPV: human papillomavirus Image credits: This is an original image created by the author Esther S. Daniel
Figure 4
Figure 4. Intention to obtain HPV vaccination with selected social and demographic variables
HPV: human papillomavirus Image credits: This is an original image created by the author Esther S. Daniel
Figure 5
Figure 5. Self-administered questionnaire section A: demographic data
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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