Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptability Research Articles

Factors affecting human papillomavirus vaccine acceptance among parents of Primary 4 to 6 boys and girls in Hong Kong.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a substantial but underestimated healthcare burden in Hong Kong. This study investigated factors affecting parental acceptance of HPV vaccination after the introduction of an immunisation programme for primary school girls. We assessed parental perceptions and related factors concerning HPV vaccination for both boys and girls. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between December 2021 and February 2022 among parents of Primary 4 to 6 students in Hong Kong. Our self-administered online survey collected data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of HPV vaccination, attitudes towards HPV vaccination, and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Characteristics were compared between boys' parents and girls' parents. Factors associated with vaccine acceptance were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. We observed high awareness of HPV vaccination among boys' parents and girls' parents; however, they demonstrated relatively poor knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine. An alarming low HPV vaccination uptake rate was also observed. Attitudes towards the HPV vaccine were similar between parent groups. A majority of parents believed that the HPV vaccine was safe and effective in preventing infection. Parents of boys showed lower HPV vaccine acceptance. Factors associated with acceptance differed between parent groups. High awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine is predictive of vaccine acceptance. Boys' parents are less likely to accept HPV vaccination and emphasis should be placed on addressing potential HPV vaccine hesitancy in this group. Public education should also aim to raise awareness of government vaccination programme, and implementation of catch-up vaccination programme to school children beyond primary school should be considered.

Roadmap to Success: Illustrating Insights from a KAP Study on Cervical Cancer Prevention and HPV Vaccination

Introduction Cervical cancer is a public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with India ranking among the highest in cervical cancer burden. The World Health Organization (has set ambitious targets for cervical cancer elimination by 2030, emphasizing the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening. In response, the National Technical Advisory Group of Immunization recommends the introduction of HPV vaccination for all eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years in India under the Universal Immunization Program. However, successful implementation requires both vaccine availability and changes in health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination. Methodology This study aims to assess KAP among clinicians regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional survey collected responses from 451 practicing gynecologists and medical practitioners across 15 states of India. The questionnaire sought insights into patient inquiries, information sources, awareness levels, methods of patient education, and common myths and misconceptions. Results Results indicate a high prevalence of patient inquiries about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, emphasizing the need for accurate and accessible information. While doctors were generally knowledgeable, misconceptions persisted among patients, including beliefs about low risk, inevitability of cervical cancer, and concerns about vaccine safety. Doctors primarily relied on verbal communication for patient education, suggesting potential for utilizing digital platforms and visual aids to enhance outreach. Insights Insights from doctors underscored the importance of addressing misinformation and leveraging various communication channels, including social media, posters, and celebrity endorsements, to improve awareness and acceptance of vaccination. Disparities in vaccine availability and administration rates highlighted the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access. Limitations Limitations of the study included its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. However, findings suggest a need for ongoing medical education and collaboration with stakeholders to drive awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Conclusion In conclusion, while gynecologists and medical practitioners demonstrate adequate KAP regarding cervical cancer prevention, there is room for improvement in patient education and communication strategies. Refining educational materials and strengthening communication channels would enhance awareness and reduce cervical cancer burden.

Caregiver acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi

IntroductionMalawi is one of the countries enduring an enormous burden of cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination offers a feasible and effective tool for reducing the burden. Such a prospect however, is being impeded by low uptake rates of the HPV vaccine in the country. This study, therefore, sought to identify barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi and to establish the consequential willingness to vaccinate their children. MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative methods. We conducted 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 4 groups of women and 2 groups of men in 4 villages located in a semi-urban area, Chileka, Blantyre. The guiding questionnaire was designed to draw out two main outcomes: barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine and willingness to vaccinate children. The data was analysed by thematic analysis by an inductive approach using NVivo software version 11. ResultsLack of knowledge on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination coupled with numerous misconceptions are the main barriers discouraging the population from accepting the HPV vaccine. Consequently, there was little desire to get their children vaccinated against HPV. Though responsibility to get the children vaccinated was mainly attributed to women, men argued that they need to have a final say in their children’s vaccination. ConclusionIn the wake of the revealed barriers and low acceptance of the HPV vaccine, it is imperative to organize effective and sustainable awareness programmes for the improvement of the HPV vaccine’s uptake.

The effects of health beliefs and acculturation on the acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination among Asian Indian parents in the United States.

The available limited literature and Centers for Disease Control data suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination acceptance is lower among Asian Indians than the general population in the United States. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of health beliefs, subjective norms, acculturation, and demographics on HPV vaccination acceptance among Asian Indian parents. Using a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study design, immigrant and first-generation Asian Indian parents of 9- to 16-year-old children were recruited (N = 171). The survey comprised the Health Belief and Subjective Norms instrument and the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale. The analysis included parametric and nonparametric tests. Participants who expressed higher levels of perceived barriers were less likely to accept HPV vaccination (odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, p = .016). Spousal opinion negatively correlated with HPV vaccination acceptance (OR = 0.57, p = .006). However, subjective norms positively predicted HPV vaccination acceptance (OR = 1.69, p = .039). Participants who perceived that friends and family approved of the vaccination also had significantly higher rates of vaccination acceptance (OR = 11.99, p = .001). The results revealed unique factors in the acceptance of HPV vaccination in Asian Indians that were not examined or understood before. The applied Health Beliefs and Subjective Norms theoretical framework suggested that perceived barriers, subjective norms, and the opinions of spouses, friends, and family predicted HPV vaccination acceptance. Educational interventions targeting providers, spouses, family, and community members with influential effects on parents may positively affect HPV vaccination acceptance. Providers should note that this population welcomes the provider's recommendations.

The role of personal health beliefs and altruistic beliefs in young Chinese adult men’s acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine

Administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to men offers substantial health benefits for both themselves and their female partners. In mainland China, the HPV vaccine has not been approved for men, and little is known about their acceptance of it. This study aims to assess the acceptability of HPV vaccine among young Chinese adult men and examine the association between personal health beliefs, altruistic beliefs, and HPV vaccination intentions and behavioral attempts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among male university students using a multistage cluster sampling method in eight universities across five districts in Zhejiang Province, China. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 using a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaire. Of the 1937 participants, 1009 who had heard of the HPV vaccine completed the questionnaire. Over one-third (40.4%, 408/1009) had high levels of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. A total of 695 of 1009 (68.9%) expressed an intention to receive the HPV vaccine when available, and 329 of 1009 (32.6%) had proactively inquired about male HPV vaccination. Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived gender barriers, and perceived benefits of male HPV vaccination for female partner were associated with HPV vaccination intentions. Lower perceived vaccine barriers, greater perceived benefits, and stronger vaccination intentions were associated with higher HPV behavioral attempts. There is an emerging demand for HPV vaccinations among young adult men in mainland China. Personal health beliefs and altruistic beliefs are crucial in promoting young adult men’s acceptance of the HPV vaccine. Emphasizing both male-specific benefits and altruistic motivations may enhance HPV vaccine acceptability among young adult men.

Assessing Saudi women’s awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and their susceptibility to receive the vaccine

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being the primary cause. This study aimed to assess Saudi women’s awareness and knowledge of HPV, determine their information sources, and evaluate their intention to receive the HPV vaccine. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 654 Saudi females aged 18 to 60 years from January to May 2023. The results revealed that 60.85% of the participants had heard about HPV, but only 8.25% had received the HPV vaccination. Despite the low vaccination rate, 71.11% of the respondents expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. Educational level was the significant predictor of the vaccine awareness and acceptance. The internet and social media were the most prevalent sources of information about HPV. The study highlights the need for additional education about HPV-related diseases and vaccination among Saudi women. Although there is a high level of HPV vaccine acceptance, the lack of knowledge suggests that targeted educational interventions are necessary to increase awareness and promote vaccination uptake. These findings can inform public health strategies to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia through improved HPV vaccination coverage and education.

Acceptability of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention amongst emerging adult women in rural Mysore, India: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundIndia has the highest number of estimated deaths from cervical cancer globally, with most cases attributed to Human papillomavirus (HPV). The World Health Organization recommends primary HPV vaccination for girls ages 9–14, with catch-up vaccination for young women ≥ 15 if feasible. India authorized a new, inexpensive HPV vaccine in 2022; given anticipated vaccine expansion, we conducted a mixed-methods study exploring acceptability of HPV catch-up vaccination for young emerging adult women in rural Mysore, India.MethodsBetween September 2022-April 2023, participants were recruited with assistance from community health workers. In the qualitative phase, gender-stratified, audio-recorded focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Kannada with emerging adults ages 18–26. FGDs were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using rapid approach to identify key HPV vaccination attributes. In the quantitative phase, a conjoint analysis was conducted to assess the impact of seven vaccination attributes on likelihood to vaccinate (LTV). Women ages 18–26 ranked LTV in eight hypothetical vaccination scenarios, and the relative impact of each attribute on LTV was calculated. All participants received education about cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination.ResultsFifty-two young adults (female = 31, male = 21) participated in seven FGDs, and 101 women participated in the conjoint analysis. Average age of the 153 participants was 22.5 years, 66.7% had married, and all had completed high school. Only 17.9% had heard of cervical cancer, and 2.7% knew of the HPV vaccine. FGDs identified seven HPV vaccination attributes: cost, vaccination location, family support, peer influence, dose number, side effects, and risk of acquiring HPV. In the conjoint analysis, all attributes except dose number significantly impacted LTV. Family support (impact score = 19.37, p < 0.0001) and peer influence (impact score = 18.01, p < 0.0001) had the greatest influence, followed by cost (impact score = 16.64, p < 0.0001) and HPV risk (impact score = 12.31, p < 0.0001). Vaccination location (government centers preferred) and side effects were also significant.ConclusionParticipants had poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV. Social attributes (family support, peer influence) had greatest impacts on LTV, and future studies should explore family-based interventions and peer education. Providing free vaccines at government centers through India’s national immunization program would maximize catch-up HPV vaccination for rural young women.

Public acceptance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Saudi Arabia

Public acceptance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Saudi Arabia

Perception and Acceptance of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine by Mothers in Owerri, Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among female children 9-14 years is critical to reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in Nigeria. We assessed caregivers’ perception and acceptance of HPV vaccination for their wards; using a structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire in a face-to-face interview among caregivers attending a well-child/immunization clinic in Owerri, Nigeria. Methodology: Participants were recruited by convenience sampling method between August and October 2023.We analysed the cross-sectional data from 267 caregivers of caregivers aged 20–57years in a Nigerian Teaching hospital. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis to investigate the factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake. Among the respondents, 132 (49.4%) of them had heard about HPV, and 52 (19.5%) stated that it could prevent cervical cancer. Bivariate analysis, demonstrated that tertiary education in the mother (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.27 to 4.02) and father (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.28 to 3.85) were significantly associated with their knowledge of HPV vaccine and their wards’ probability of taking the HPV vaccine. Participants’ intention to give HPV vaccination to their children was 77.5%. Our findings suggest that interventions tailored to enhance education and support of caregivers would significantly increase HPV vaccination among females in Nigeria. Conclusion: Being well-educated appears to guarantee good knowledge of the HPV vaccine, but not HPV prevention of cervical cancer role. Our respondents’ intention to have the HPV vaccine administered to their children was high. Concerted efforts need to be made by government and health workers to create awareness about HPV infection, HPV vaccine amongst caregivers to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.

HPV vaccine acceptance in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant health burden in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), leading to various conditions from benign to malignant, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. This systematic review encompassed 24 studies with a total of 14,466 participants, exploring HPV vaccine acceptance in the region. It was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science. The review reveals an 84% prevalence of HPV vaccine acceptance in the LAC. Factors influencing acceptance include education, income levels, and vaccine safety concerns. Peru and Honduras exhibited the highest acceptance rates, while the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed to declining acceptance post-2019. The importance of educational campaigns and healthcare recommendations in promoting vaccine acceptance is highlighted, along with the impact of reduced vaccination access during the pandemic. This study underscores the critical role of ongoing educational initiatives and accessible healthcare in maintaining high HPV vaccine acceptance rates in LAC. Addressing the reduced acceptance during the pandemic is pivotal for reinstating effective vaccination programs. Findings emphasize the need of sustained efforts to ensure widespread vaccine acceptance, thereby mitigating the burden of HPV-related diseases in the region.

Determinants of parental demand of human papillomavirus vaccination for adolescent daughters in China: Contingent valuation survey.

Several types of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been approved for use in adolescent girls in China. These vaccines are regulated as non-National Immunisation Program vaccines and are optional and generally fully self-paid by vaccinees. To assess parents' demand for HPV vaccination by eliciting their willingness-to-pay for their adolescent daughters to be vaccinated against HPV and to examine the determinants of demand for HPV vaccination in China. A contingent valuation survey was conducted across three cities in Shandong Province in eastern China. We selected 11 junior middle schools with different socioeconomic features and randomly selected 6 classes in each school, and questionnaires were distributed to all girls aged 12-16 in the 66 classes for their parents to complete. A payment card approach was used to elicit parental willingness-to-pay for HPV vaccination for their daughters. We also collected a wide array of socioeconomic and psychological variables and interval regressions were applied to examine the determinants of parental willingness-to-pay. A total of 1074 eligible parents who completed valid questions were included in analyses. Over 85% of parents believed HPV vaccines were, in general, necessary and beneficiary. However, only around 10% believed that their daughters would be infected by HPV. About 8% of parents would not accept HPV vaccine even if the vaccine were free mainly due to concerns about the potential side effects and vaccine safety and quality issues, and 27.37% would only accept the vaccine if it were free. The median willingness-to-pay was 300 CNY (42 USD). Several factors were positively correlated with higher willingness-to-pay: income, urban residence (relative to rural residence), mothers (relative to fathers), parents' beliefs about vaccine benefits, whether they should make decisions for their daughters, and whether their daughters would be susceptible to HPV. Though education-level was not significantly correlated with willingness-to-pay in the main regressions, a subgroup analysis revealed interesting dynamics in the relation between education and willingness-to-pay across different income-levels. There is a large gap between parents' willingness-to-pay and the market price of HPV vaccine for girls in China. Parents generally believed the HPV vaccines were beneficial and necessary but when asked for their daughters, most parents did not believe their daughters would be infected by HPV despite the high prevalence in China. Future focus should be on ensuring the provision of accurate health information about HPV prevalence, vaccine quality, and safety to promote vaccine uptake, and promotional efforts tailored to different income groups might yield better effects. Government involvement in negotiating more widely acceptable and affordable prices or subsidising may be necessary for protecting high-risk population groups.

Development of Promising Interventions to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in a School-Based Program in Quebec, Canada: Results From a Formative Evaluation Using a Mixed Methods Design.

Despite the availability of school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs, disparities in vaccine coverage persist. Barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake include parental attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and system-level barriers. A total of 3 interventions were developed to address these barriers: an in-person presentation by school nurses, an email reminder with a web-based information and decision aid tool, and a telephone reminder using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. Here we report on the development and formative evaluation of interventions to improve HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake among grade 4 students' parents in Quebec, Canada. In the summer of 2019, we conducted a formative evaluation of the interventions to assess the interventions' relevance, content, and format and to identify any unmet needs. We conducted 3 focus group discussions with parents of grade 3 students and nurses. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content using NVivo software (Lumivero). Nurses received training on MI techniques and we evaluated the effect on nurses' knowledge and skills using a pre-post questionnaire. Descriptive quantitative analyses were carried out on data from questionnaires relating to the training. Comparisons were made using the proportions of the results. Finally, we developed a patient decision aid using an iterative, user-centered design process. The iterative refinement process involved feedback from parents, nurses, and experts to ensure the tool's relevance and effectiveness. The evaluation protocol and data collection tools were approved by the CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de Québec Research Ethics Committee (MP-20-2019-4655, May 16, 2019). The data collection was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021. Following feedback (n=28) from the 3 focus group discussions in June 2019, several changes were made to the in-person presentation intervention. Experts (n=27) and school nurses (n=29) recruited for the project appreciated the visual and simplified information on vaccination in it. The results of the MI training for school nurses conducted in August 2019 demonstrated an increase in the skills and knowledge of nurses (n=29). School nurses who took the web-based course (n=24) filled out a pretest and posttest questionnaire to evaluate their learning. The rating increased by 19% between the pretest and posttest questionnaires. Several changes were made between the first draft of the web-based decision-aid tool and the final version during the summer of 2019 after an expert consultation of experts (n=3), focus group participants (n=28), and parents in the iterative process (n=5). More information about HPV and vaccines was added, and users could click if more detail is desired. We developed and pilot-tested 3 interventions using an iterative process. The interventions were perceived as potentially effective to increase parents' knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, and ultimately, vaccine acceptance. Future research will assess the effectiveness of these interventions on a larger scale.

Parental Awareness, Attitude, and Acceptability of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern linked to various cancers and genital warts. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, vaccination rates remain suboptimal in many regions. Understanding parental awareness, attitudes, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine is critical for developing targeted interventions to increase vaccination uptake. Objective This study aims to assess parental awareness, attitudes, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors influencing their decision-making regarding HPV vaccination for their children. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2023. The calculated sample size was 420 parents. Eligible parents with at least one female child aged from nine to 18 years old were invited to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to parents, collecting data on demographics, knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, attitudes toward vaccination, and reasons for vaccine acceptability or hesitancy. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and inferential statistics were applied to identify associations between demographic factors and vaccine acceptability. Results The study included a diverse sample of parents. Approximately 153 (35.9%) of participants believed the HPV vaccine was effective, while 129 (30.3%) felt the benefits outweighed the risks. Common reasons for vaccinating included protection against sexually transmitted diseases (159, 37.3%) and genital cancers (178, 41.8%). Hesitancy was primarily due to fear of adverse effects (141, 33.1%) and insufficient information (84, 19.7%). Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between vaccine acceptability and parental education level, employment status, and personal vaccination history. Conclusion The findings highlight a moderate level of awareness and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among parents in Jeddah. Educational interventions focusing on vaccine safety and efficacy are essential to address misconceptions and increase vaccination rates. Further research should explore tailored strategies to enhance parental acceptance of HPV vaccination in similar contexts.

Improving HPV Vaccination Uptake Among Adolescents in Low Resource Settings: Sociocultural and Socioeconomic Barriers and Facilitators.

Lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately impacted by human papillomavirus (HPV) and would benefit from implementing the HPV vaccine. In the context of competing health priorities, utilizing scarce domestic infrastructure and human resources for HPV vaccination remains challenging for many LMICs. Given the high benefits of the HPV vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now encouraging for all countries, particularly LMICs, to introduce HPV vaccines into their routine immunization programs. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to HPV adolescent vaccine programs in LMICs may help strengthen how LMICs implement HPV vaccine programs, in turn, increasing HPV vaccine acceptance, uptake, and coverage. To identify and assess barriers and facilitators to implementing adolescent HPV vaccination programs in LMICs. This study comprised a review of literature assessing adolescent HPV vaccination in LMICs published after 2020 from a sociocultural perspective. Overall, the findings showed that LMICs should prioritize increasing HPV vaccine availability and HPV vaccine knowledge, particularly focusing on cancer prevention, as knowledge reduces misinformation and increases vaccine acceptance. Evidence suggests that factors promoting HPV vaccine uptake include fostering low vaccine hesitancy, integrating HPV vaccination as a primary school routine vaccination, and vaccinating both genders. A one-dose HPV vaccine may enable many LMICs to increase vaccine acceptance, uptake, and coverage while controlling financial, infrastructure, and human resource costs. As HPV is one of the leading causes of death in many LMICs, implementing the HPV vaccine may be highly beneficial. Cohesive national HPV vaccine buy-in and understanding the success and challenges of prior LMIC HPV vaccine implementation is crucial to developing effective, efficient, and sustainable HPV vaccination programs.

Cervical cancer: Challenges and prevention strategies: A narrative review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that continue to exist are the main cause of cervical cancer (CC), two-thirds of CC occurrences worldwide are caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18, and 99.7% of CC tumors are linked to oncogenic HPV infection. To identify challenges of CC and its prevention and treatment modalities. This review examined the epidemiology, predisposing factors, genetic factors, clinical assessment methods, current treatment options, and prevention approaches for CC. We had perform a narrative data synthesis rather than a pooled analysis. A thorough literature search in pertinent databases related to CC was done with the inclusion of data that were published in the English language. Early detection of CC is of utmost importance to detect precancerous lesions at an early stage. Therefore, all responsible agencies concerned with health should make all women aware of the benefits of CC screening and educate the general public. HPV vaccination coverage is very low in resource-limited settings. To achieve the goal of eliminating CC as a public health problem in 2030, the World Health Organization will pay special attention to increasing HPV vaccination coverage throughout the world. To further improve HPV vaccine acceptability among parents and their children, safety-related aspects of the HPV vaccine should be further investigated through post-marketing surveillance and multicentre randomized clinical trials.

Determinants of Parental Intention to Vaccinate Young Adolescent Girls against the Human Papillomavirus in Taiwan: An Online Survey Study.

Since 2018, Taiwan has included the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program for junior high school girls. However, the reports of side effects following vaccination have increased parental concerns. This study investigated parental intentions regarding the HPV vaccination for their daughters and related factors in Taiwan. A total of 213 parents of girls aged between 12 and 15 years participated in an online survey. The survey collected data on various factors, including the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV; the motivation behind the vaccinations, as measured using the Motors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Acceptance Scale; an understanding of the reasons behind the government's promotion of HPV vaccinations; concerns regarding the side effects of vaccinations for their daughters; an awareness of the reported side effects of HPV vaccines experienced by some individuals; the exposure to information on HPV vaccines from social media; and mental health status, measured using the Brief Symptom Rating Scale. The associations between these variables and the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The findings revealed a moderate to high level of intention among participants to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Parents who perceived a greater value in HPV vaccination for their daughters' health (B = 0.524, standard error [se] = 0.039, p < 0.001) and had greater autonomy in decision-making regarding vaccination (B = 0.086, se = 0.038, p = 0.026) exhibited a higher intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Conversely, parents who expressed greater concern regarding the side effects of HPV vaccines for their daughters had a lower intention to vaccinate (B = -0.762, se = 0.203, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, this study recommends integrating these factors into the design of intervention programs aimed at enhancing parental intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV.

Impact of interventions to improve HPV vaccination acceptance and uptake in school-based programs: Findings of a pilot project in Quebec

ContextVaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) in school-based programs in Quebec, Canada, is suboptimal despite more than a decade of introduction. Three interventions to improve HPV vaccine acceptability and coverage in school-based programs were developed, implemented as part of a multicomponent strategy and evaluated. MethodSixty-four (64) schools were recruited, of which 32 received the interventions (pilot schools), and 32 received usual vaccination activities (control schools). Two approaches were used to assess the impact of the interventions. Pre-post questionnaires were completed by parents in both pilot and control schools. Quantitative analyses of vaccination coverage using the Quebec immunization registry were conducted. ResultsParticipating parents (n = 989 in the pre-intervention survey and n = 772 in the post-intervention one) were generally aware of HPV and HPV vaccination. Most parents were confident about vaccination, had little or no hesitation and had decided to have their child vaccinated. Parents in the pilot schools were less concerned about vaccine safety than those in the control schools after the interventions. Parents in the pilot schools were also more likely to have decided to have their child vaccinated. A statistically significant difference of 7.4 % in HPV vaccine coverage between pilot and control schools was observed (82.9 % vs 75.5 %, p <0.0001). ConclusionAlthough school-based programs offer equitable access to vaccination and minimize access barriers, it remains crucial to identify effective interventions to improve vaccine uptake further and reach the WHO cervical cancer elimination goal. Our multicomponent strategy appears to have positively impacted HPV vaccine acceptability and coverage and could be adapted to other contexts where vaccination is delivered in school-based programs.

A Systematic Review of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Factors Influencing HPV Vaccine Acceptance Among Adolescents, Parents, Teachers, and Healthcare Professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting both men and women globally. Men and women are at risk of type HPV16 and HPV18 viruses leading to cervical, anal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. The HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing various strains of HPV infection, and effective vaccines are available only in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Hence, this systematic review explored knowledge and attitudes toward HPV infection and HPV vaccination and factors influencing HPV vaccination uptake among the MENA populations. Various databases, such as Medline, Science Direct, CINHAL, EBSCO, PsycINFO, and PubMed, were systematically searched to include English studies assessing knowledge, attitudes toward HPV infection, and factors influencing HPV vaccination acceptance in the MENA region. Twenty-two papers met the inclusion criteria. The number of participants ranged from 99 to 7223. While knowledge, attitude, and vaccine hesitancy association factors were generally reported in cross-sectional studies, the HPV vaccine acceptancy over time from longitudinal studies was mixed and inconclusive due to inadequate information on HPV infection and vaccination, the cost of the vaccine, cultural beliefs, and safety concerns. Results demonstrated that low HPV vaccine acceptance is due to a lack of HPV understanding among the MENA population, coupled with access issues. Factors such as awareness, confidence in vaccination, and involvement in decision-making positively influence vaccine uptake. Therefore, tailored programs addressing vaccine hesitancy in the MENA communities are necessary.

Impact of Educational Intervention on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccine Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptance among First-Year Medical Students of Birat Medical College

Introduction: Cervical cancer poses a significant health burden, particularly in developing nations, with notable incidence and mortality rates. However, there exists a notable gap in understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance surrounding cervical cancer and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine. This study aims to evaluate the current awareness, attitudes, and acceptance levels of HPV Vaccine among first-year medical students, alongside assessing the effectiveness of an educational intervention on these aspects. Objectives: To evaluate current knowledge, attitude and acceptance of cervical cancer and HPV Vaccine and evaluate the impact of educational intervention. Methodology: 2 An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 first-year medical students at a medical college in Nepal from December 24, 2023, to February 28, 2024, after receiving Ethical Approval. Total enumeration sampling technique was applied, and a structured self- administered questionnaire, validated for data collection, was employed. Data were collected at baseline and after an educational intervention class to assess the impact on the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance toward cervical cancer and the HPV Vaccine. Result: Pre-intervention scores (mean=5.90, SD=1.73) significantly increased after the intervention (mean=11.65, SD=1.44) with p&lt;0.001, indicating a 97.46% increase. Willingness to receive HPV vaccination increased from 47.9% to 88.5%, and willingness to recommend vaccination increased from 88.54% to 96.88%. No significant differences were found in vaccination willingness. Conclusion: Educational interventions significantly enhanced medical students' willingness to receive and recommend HPV vaccination, suggesting potential for future healthcare provider influence on vaccination behaviors.

Providing parents with HPV vaccine information from a male perspective may render them more inclined to have their daughters vaccinated

ObjectivesSeveral high-income countries have implemented a gender-neutral vaccination program against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The impact of a gender-neutral program (GNP) on parental intention to vaccinate their daughters has not been studied, especially in countries with low HPV vaccine coverage among girls. Patients and methodsIn July 2019, before a GNP was implemented in France (2021), the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) conducted a survey on HPV vaccine acceptance among parents of children aged 11–19 years living in France. In the sample of girls’ parents (n = 1424 parents, 1726 girls), we investigated whether parents who declared no initial intention to have their daughter(s) vaccinated changed their minds after reading information including a male perspective on HPV consisting in description of HPV-related disease among men and in ascertainment of the fact that in some countries, the HPV vaccine is recommended for boys, after which they were once again asked about their intentions “if the vaccine were recommended to boys and girls alike”. ResultsAs regards 295 (25.7 %) of the 1147 unvaccinated girls, their parents declared no intention to have them vaccinated, while 509 (44.4 %) were not sure. Among the parents of the 804 girls whose parents had not intended to have them vaccinated, 134 (16.7 %) changed their minds after reading about HPV among men. Fathers were more likely than mothers to change their minds, and finally intend to have their daughters vaccinated (adjusted relative risk, 1.74 [95 % confidence interval, 1.20,2.54]). ConclusionsThese results suggest that parents, and fathers in particular, could be more motivated to have their daughters vaccinated against HPV if the information with which they were provided included a male perspective and a recommendation of vaccination for boys as well as girls.