Biopsychosocial determinants of HPV vaccine perception in university students of both sexes in Cucuta, Colombia, 2024: a cross-sectional study

The study examined the influence of biopsychosocial factors on HPV vaccine perception among university students of both sexes in Cucuta, Colombia in 2024. The research involved 750 students from four universities, of whom 54.2% were women and 61.3% were under 20 years old. High HPV knowledge was found in 39.2% of respondents, intermediate in 42.4%, and low in 18.4%. Positive perception of HPV vaccination was reported by 66.6% of students, slightly higher in women (68.8%) than men (63.9%). Analysis identified sex, university type, and HPV knowledge as the only statistically significant determinants of vaccine perception. The study revealed that most students were aware of HPV (91.2%), but recognition of clinical manifestations and complications was uneven, particularly among men. The authors recommend comprehensive, gender-inclusive educational interventions targeting both sexes with evidence-based information about HPV-related diseases.