Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the vaccination status of female university students for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, as well as factors associated with vaccination. Methods: 348 female university students were selected using convenience sampling methods. Demographic characteristics, health-related behavior, and cervical cancer-related knowledge were collected by self-reported questionnaire on 9~10 November 2011. Vaccinated subjects were defined as those who received at least one of the three doses in the HPV vaccine series. The differences in vaccination status were tested with chi-square test, t-test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 348 female students, 39 (11.2%) reported that they were vaccinated. In simple analysis, age, major, allowance, parental academic background, obstetrics and gynecology visiting experience and knowledge about HPV vaccination were associated with being vaccinated. In multiple logistic regression, having a high allowance (OR=3.97, 95% CI=1.37~11.53), having parents with a high academic background (OR=3.14, 95% CI=1.13~8.68) and having more knowledge about HPV vaccination (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.15~4.48) were significantly associated with being vaccinated. Conclusions: Allowance, parental academic background and knowledge about HPV vaccination were associated with vaccination status. Considering these factors will help in decision-making regarding HPV vaccination. Future study is needed to include other populations involved in making decisions about HPV vaccination, including adolescents and their parents.
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