Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-11 | Issue-08 | 218-224
Original Research Article
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus and HPV Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals and Students in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study
M. R. Tagajdid, M. Benjelloun, M. Jafari, A. Akhsass, R. Znady, R. Aabi, H. Elannaz, S. Elkochri, A. Laraqui, L. Bouaiti, F. Hilali, N. Touil, M. El Qatni, A. Reggad, I. Amine Lahlou, K. Ennibi
Published : Oct. 8, 2026
Abstract
Background: Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the necessary cause of almost all cervical cancers and contributes to several other anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies. In Morocco, HPV vaccination was introduced into the National Immunization Program in October 2022, making healthcare professional’s key actors in vaccine communication and recommendation. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV infection and vaccination among healthcare professionals and healthcare students in Morocco, and to identify factors associated with vaccine recommendation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals and healthcare students in Morocco. A systematic questionnaire was used to examine knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. A composite knowledge score (0-100) was derived. We studied factors associated with knowledge and systematic recommendation of the HPV vaccine by multivariable linear and logistic regression, respectively. Results: A total of 205 participants were included, among them 67.3% were health care professionals and 32.7% students. The awareness about HPV was quite high (98.5%), while the mean composite knowledge score was 65.8 ± 14.1. There were major gaps in HPV DNA-based screening (19.0%) and knowledge on HPV vaccination in the Moroccan National Immunization Program (52.7%). Only 5.9% reported being vaccinated and 51.2% systematically advocated immunization for girls aged 9–14 years. The most important perceived hurdles were lack of information (87.8%), fear of adverse effects (62.0%) and perceived lack of need (58.0%). Higher knowledge was independently linked with systematic endorsement of vaccination (aOR=1.026, 95% CI 1.005-1.048; p=0.015). Conclusion: Although knowledge and attitudes toward HPV are generally favorable among Moroccan healthcare professionals and students, important gaps persist in practice. Strengthening education on HPV-related diseases, screening strategies, and vaccine safety may improve recommendation practices and support national cervical cancer prevention efforts.