Abstract / Summary
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted viruses globally, with serious clinical consequences, such as cervical cancer. This study aims to evaluate knowledge and awareness of, and attitudes and beliefs towards, HPV and vaccines for it among women from several Saudi Arabian regions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among Saudi Arabian women. Data were collected from December 9, 2024, to May 9, 2025, via an online survey including women’s demographics, knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and beliefs regarding HPV and vaccination against it. An overall of 627 women took part in the study. The majority of the population (32.1%) is aged from 36 to 45 years. In total, 47.4% of the participants have an adequate level of knowledge of HPV, 51.5% know that it is sexually transmitted, and 41.3% know that it can cause cervical cancer. The main information sources were the Ministry of Health and social media. Around 66.7% of the participants believed that the HPV vaccine is not safe. Marital status, religion, and educational status were demonstrably associated with overall knowledge and awareness of HPV and a vaccine for it. Age, marital status, children, region, education level, and occupation were significantly associated with beliefs concerning HPV. This study reported a gap in awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV; risk and HPV vaccination complications were found to be barriers to vaccine acceptance.