Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine & Prevention of Cervical Cancer among Women Attending Primary Health Care

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is projected to affect 528,000 people worldwide each year. It is the third leading cause of mortality from cancer in developing nations. HPV vaccination was first introduced in 2006, targeting females between the ages of 9-14 years with the aim of preventing HPV that cause cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study Among Females Attending Primary Health care in AL-Madina AL-Munawarah. All females attending primary health care centers aged 21-65 years or Al-Madina Al-Munawarah. Sample size was 375. The sample size calculated By using Epi-Info version 3.5.1. The study was started after the approval comes from the research committee at Al-Madina region. The researcher took a consent form from the program director of joint program of family medicine and taken it to MOH in Al-Madina City. One primary healthcare center was chosen from each sector. Results: In this study 400 questionnaires were distributed in which 345 participants and response rate was 86.25%, all of them were female and ranged in age from 14 to 65 years. The majority of participants, 112 (32.5%), were between the ages of 26 and 35 years. The majority of participants 222 (64%) were married, Inquiring as to whether you've heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. 253 respondents said that they had not heard of it. 17% were unaware that HPV is a virus that is transmitted by sexual contact. 7.8% feel it is widespread in Saudi Arabia. 11.9% believe that both men and women are susceptible to infection. 22% that risky sex can raise one's risk of contracting HPV. The majority of individuals expressed concern about the vaccination's negative effects. 250 out of 388 respondents expressed concern about the immunizations' negative effects. Concerning vaccination decisions, 196 believe they should be decided by the individual concerned, while 92 believe they should be made jointly by parents and the individual. Conclusion: Funding for volunteer groups/non-governmental organizations working in the health sector to raise awareness about cervical cancer among healthcare practitioners and the general public might contribute to further reduce the disease's incidence. Public health education is urgently required on the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccination.