Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among Greek higher education female students and predictors of vaccine uptake

One of the biggest public health measures to prevent HPV infection, and consequently, cervical cancer, is the HPV vaccine. Greece introduced HPV vaccines to its National Vaccination Program in 2008.The aims of this study were to estimate HPV vaccination coverage among female Greek students in higher education and to identify uptake predictors. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through a self-completed questionnaire. The sample size included 3153 women with an 87% participation rate. Overall 25.8% of students reported they had received three doses of the HPV vaccine. Positive predictors of vaccine uptake were: younger age, higher educational level (own and parents), ever previous visit(s) to the gynecologist, always use of condoms, not smokers, not being in a stable relationship and easy access to Health Care Services.Vaccine compliance was unacceptably low despite the fact that the vaccination is free-of-charge. Interventions on college campuses should stress vaccination as a normative behavior.

► The Proportion of female Greek students vaccinated against HPV was 25.8%.
► Positive uptake predictors included younger age and higher education.
► Healthier lifestyles, not smoking and always using condoms also increased vaccination.
► Being in a stable relationship and difficult access to Health Care reduced uptake.
► Vaccine compliance is low; despite the fact the vaccination is free-of-charge.