Abstract
BackgroundThe northeastern region of Argentina has the highest age-adjusted cervical cancer mortality rates. Given the strong link between HPV infections and cervical cancer, one of the main interventions is the population-based use of HPV vaccines. However, the acceptability is not very clear in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of HPV vaccine acceptance and associated determinants among caregivers of girls in a northeastern city of Argentina.MethodsA school-based survey was conducted in 2015 using a multistage sampling method. The primary sample unit were schools stratified by socioeconomic status selected at random, and caregivers of school girls were interviewed. The acceptability was determined using the adapted Theory of Planned Behavior. We performed logistic regression models to assess associated determinants.ResultsThe study included 347 caregivers. The intention to vaccinate was 59.88%. A positive attitude of caregivers (aOR 4.67; 3.11–7.03) and positive influence of social norms (aOR 1.95; 1.03–3.70) were the main predictors independently associated to the intention to vaccinate against HPV. In contrast, practicing a Christian non-Catholic religion decreased the intention to vaccinate against HPV (OR 0.59; 0.36–0.95). All other factors evaluated were not significantly associated with intention to vaccinate against HPV.ConclusionsThis study shows that evaluating attitudes, normative social beliefs, and perceived self-efficacy regarding HPV vaccination can be of utmost importance for mapping and planning of health-related strategies in developing countries.
Highlights
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide [1]
A positive attitude of caregivers and positive influence of social norms were the main predictors independently associated to the intention to vaccinate against HPV
Practicing a Christian non-Catholic religion decreased the intention to vaccinate against HPV
Summary
The burden of the disease is higher in low- and middle-income countries, where CC accounts for approximately 12% of incident cancer cases in women, and 7.5% of cancer deaths. The province of Chaco in the northeastern region ranks third among those with the highest age-standardized mortality rates in the country -just under 12 deaths per 100,000 women- as reported by the Argentinian National Cancer Institute in 2016 [3]. Given the strong link between HPV infections and cervical cancer, several new interventions have been introduced to reduce the burden of disease. The northeastern region of Argentina has the highest age-adjusted cervical cancer mortality rates. Given the strong link between HPV infections and cervical cancer, one of the main interventions is the population-based use of HPV vaccines.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
