# Knowledge and Attitude Toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Its Vaccination in the Saudi Population: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review examines HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance in Saudi Arabia, finding high willingness but low uptake due to knowledge gaps and sociocultural barriers.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews demographic-specific HPV vaccine knowledge and uptake in Saudi Arabia, identifying key barriers and proposing targeted interventions.

## Key findings

- Willingness to vaccinate ranges from 29.1% to 87.9%, but actual uptake is low (1-23%).
- Higher education and healthcare employment correlate with greater vaccine acceptance.
- Barriers include safety concerns, insufficient provider engagement, and sociocultural factors.

## Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination represents an important public health opportunity in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and uptake regarding the HPV vaccine among various demographic groups in the country. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO, was conducted from inception through December 2025. The review included studies providing quantitative data on HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or uptake. A total of 28 studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, including studies involving parents, students, and healthcare professionals. Findings revealed a notable prevention paradox: while reported willingness to vaccinate was moderate to high (29.1-87.9%), actual vaccination uptake was consistently low (1-23%). Significant gaps in knowledge were identified, with limited awareness of HPV's association with cervical cancer and optimal vaccination timing. Factors such as higher education and healthcare employment predicted greater acceptance, whereas barriers included safety concerns, insufficient provider engagement, and sociocultural influences. The review concludes that suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake stems largely from systemic and informational gaps. A coordinated national strategy, featuring public education, healthcare provider training, and programmatic interventions such as school-based vaccination, is urgently needed to improve coverage and reduce HPV-related cancer burden.