HPV Vaccination Rates and Knowledge Among Students at a University in Kansas

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective primary prevention strategy for reducing HPV-related cancers; however, vaccination coverage in the United States, including Kansas, remains below national targets. This study assessed HPV vaccination status and HPV vaccine knowledge among students enrolled at a large Midwestern university to identify demographic patterns and opportunities for targeted education and outreach. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was distributed electronically to undergraduate and graduate students during Spring 2025. Data from 1,795 respondents were analyzed using chi-square tests to examine associations between demographic variables, HPV vaccination status and HPV vaccine knowledge. Overall, 64.7% of respondents reported being fully vaccinated. Vaccination rates were significantly higher among students aged 18–24 (73%) compared with those aged 35 and older (31.8%), and varied by race/ethnicity, marital status, employment, residency status, and hometown type. Among the 607 respondents who had not completed the vaccination series, HPV knowledge levels were significantly associated with all demographic variables except hometown. Higher income was associated with greater HPV knowledge, although income was not significantly related to vaccination status. Findings indicate that while vaccination coverage among college-aged students exceeds the Kansas state average, disparities persist across demographic groups, particularly by age and race. These results underscore the need for campus-based, equitable educational interventions that emphasize cancer prevention, address structural barriers, and promote informed decision-making to improve HPV vaccination uptake and support progress toward Healthy People 2030 goals. Clinical trial number: Not applicable