Factors influencing HPV vaccination intention and uptake behaviors among medical students based on the health belief model and vaccine hesitancy theory: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination coverage among young people in China remains low. Medical students, as a high-risk group and future health educators, are critical for cervical cancer control.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,244 medical students from April to May 2026. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, including t-test, correlation, regression, and serial mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 6).

RESULTS

Among 1,203 valid participants (51.0% male, 49.0% female, 71.8% having received HPV vaccines), HPV knowledge was positively correlated with both vaccination intention and actual vaccination behavior. The serial chain mediation analysis specifically focused on vaccination intention: HPV knowledge showed a significant direct associational link with vaccination intention (β = 0.1238, p < 0.001). Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity served as significant serial mediators for intention.

CONCLUSION

HPV knowledge is correlated with vaccination intention via direct associations and serial mediating associations of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity. Based on these cross-sectional correlational findings, interventions targeting HPV knowledge improvement may correlate with elevated risk perception and stronger vaccination intention.