Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medical Professionals Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Despite being largely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening, cervical cancer (CC) remains a major global public health concern. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in advocating for and facilitating these preventive measures. However, literature revealed that the gap in knowledge among the health professionals directly impacts the community. The study evaluated medical professionals' awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to CC prevention and HPV immunization. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was undertaken at a tertiary care hospital in Kolar, India, between August 2024 and February 2025. After systematic random sampling, 406 healthcare professionals (age >18 years) were selected who satisfied the inclusion criteria and completed a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to CC and HPV. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Categorical variables were expressed as percentages and assessed using the chi-squared test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results The mean age of the study participants was 26.7±13.1 years. Among them, 65.5% were aged ≤20 years, and 61.6% were female. While 77.5% had heard of CC and 83.2% identified HPV as the cause, knowledge gaps existed regarding screening guidelines and early symptoms. Only 51.2% were aware of pap smears, and 14.2% knew the correct annual screening frequency. Regarding attitudes, 90.1% recognized the medical professional's role in prevention, and 49.2% considered HPV vaccination essential. About 71.4% supported routine HPV immunization, and 66.9% were willing to recommend the vaccine. Around 75.3% identified a lack of awareness as a barrier. Regarding practice, 20.1% routinely performed CC screening, 17.3% were vaccinated against HPV, and 23.6% always recommended HPV vaccination. About 21.1% attended relevant workshops, and 59.1% expressed interest in future prevention events. Conclusion This study identifies gaps in knowledge and practice among healthcare professionals regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination, despite generally positive attitudes. Strengthening targeted education and capacity-building is essential to empower them as advocates in reducing the CC burden, particularly in underserved areas.