Knowledge, perception and acceptability of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Moroccan medical students

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Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Morocco. In October 2022, the Ministry of Health introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization program. This study aimed to assess knowledge, satisfaction, and acceptability regarding HPV infection and vaccination among Moroccan medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and July 2022 among fifth-year and higher medical students from all nine Moroccan medical universities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed descriptively and analytically. Results: A total of 636 students participated (mean age: 24.2 years; male-to-female ratio: 0.5). Only 3.3% (n = 21) reported being vaccinated against HPV. The mean knowledge score was 6.3/11 (57.2%) for HPV infection and 2.0/5 (40%) for the HPV vaccine. The average satisfaction score regarding HPV-related training was 7.3/20 (36.5%). Most respondents (85.8%, n = 546) supported incorporating the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program. Conclusions: Moroccan medical students demonstrated moderate knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, with notable gaps in HPV-related training. Given the recent introduction of the vaccine, strengthening education in this area is warranted. Acceptance of the vaccine was high, with support for its mandatory inclusion exceeding rates reported in previous studies.

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