Health belief toward HPV and the HPV vaccines.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection associated with genital warts and multiple cancers. HPV awareness and vaccine coverage remain low in mainland China. With the rise of digital social media, young people increasingly acquire knowledge and information online, influencing their perceptions and decisions. Impact of social media on HPV knowledge and vaccine hesitancy remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of HPV and its vaccines hesitancy among young adults in China using an online structured questionnaire with implied consent. Our findings showed that 94.4% of respondents had heard of HPV, with most aware of its sexual transmission and risks to both men and women. However, gaps in knowledge and misconceptions were identified, particularly concerning the asymptomatic nature of HPV infections and the lack of effective antiviral treatments for HPV. Misconceptions about HPV and vaccine safety were notable, contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Yet 78.4% of participants believed in the effectiveness of HPV vaccine, and 83.5% expressed their willingness to receive vaccination if recommended by a doctor. Although overall awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination was high, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions remain. Thereby reshaping public perception and enhancing awareness, trust and motivation for HPV vaccination are under challenge. Addressing misinformation through strategic educational initiatives could enhance trust in HPV vaccination and improve coverage, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in China.

人乳头瘤病毒（Human Papillomavirus，以下简称HPV）是一种与生殖器疣及多种癌症相关的性传播感染。目前中国大陆地区的HPV认知度与疫苗接种率仍处于较低水平。随着数字社交媒体的兴起，年轻人愈发依赖线上渠道获取知识与信息，这一趋势正影响着他们的认知与决策，但社交媒体对HPV认知及疫苗犹豫态度的影响仍不明朗。本研究旨在通过隐含知情同意的线上结构化问卷，评估中国青年群体对HPV及其疫苗的认知水平与疫苗犹豫态度。研究结果显示，94.4%的受访者曾听说过HPV，其中多数知晓其性传播途径以及对男女双方的健康风险。但研究同时发现，公众仍存在认知缺口与误区，尤其是在HPV感染的无症状性以及缺乏针对该病毒的有效抗病毒治疗手段这两方面。针对HPV及疫苗安全性的认知误区尤为突出，这也是导致疫苗犹豫态度的重要诱因。不过仍有78.4%的参与者认可HPV疫苗的有效性，83.5%的受访者表示若有医生推荐，愿意接种该疫苗。尽管整体而言，公众对HPV及疫苗接种的认知度较高，但仍存在显著的认知缺口与认知误区。因此，重塑公众认知、提升HPV疫苗接种的认知度、信任度与接种意愿仍面临诸多挑战。通过针对性的教育举措纠正错误信息，可提升公众对HPV疫苗接种的信任度并提高接种率，最终减轻中国大陆地区HPV相关疾病的疾病负担。