Factors associated with the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine, Huanuco, Peru

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) produces the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infection in the world. A strategy to reduce infection rates for this virus is vaccination to young women between 9 and 13 years, so it is imperative to ensure the highest degree of acceptability to the vaccine. To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs associated with the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in the parents of a rural and urban area of ​​the Huanuco. Analytical cross-sectional study in 168 parents. The χ2 test was used to assess associations, with 95% confidence, p significant < 0.05. The mean age was 35.08 years, 67% had secondary education and 27.3% of parents did not accept the vaccine. A statistically significant relationship was found between the level of medium-high knowledge (p = 0.017), positive attitudes towards vaccines (p < 0.001), absence of beliefs (p < 0.001), Catholic religion (p = 0.002) and presence of studies in the degree of education (p = 0.016) with the acceptability towards the vaccine. Those parents whose beliefs were evidenced were 6.56 times more likely not to accept the human papillomavirus vaccine. The factors associated with the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine are the level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, religion and the degree of instruction.