Women’s knowledge, perception, and intention concerning human papillomavirus vaccination: a survey in a public hospital in Hong Kong
Keywords:
Human papillomavirus vaccine, Uterine cervical neoplasmsAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perception, and intention concerning human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among women attending our hospital, and to identify factors influencing the decision to receive HPV vaccination.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Women aged 16 to 45 years who attended gynaecology outpatient clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital between May and July 2024 were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about knowledge, perception, and intention concerning HPV vaccination.
Results: In total, 286 women (mean age, 35.9 years) were included in the analysis. Regarding knowledge on HPV infection, transmission, and vaccination, >80% of participants correctly answered at least 10 out of 12 questions. Regarding perceptions of HPV vaccine, participants, on average, agreed that “the HPV vaccine is safe” and that “the current HPV vaccine is capable of preventing the occurrence of cervical cancer”. Regarding intention to receive HPV vaccination, 82 (28.7%) participants received vaccination, 24 (8.4%) were in the process of completing vaccination, and 180 (62.9%) did not receive vaccination. Of the latter, 105 (58.3%) had no intention to receive it mainly owing to worries about the vaccine’s adverse effects and safety issues (54.3%) and insufficient knowledge about the vaccine (43.8%). Additionally, 86 (81.9%) would consider receiving vaccination if their gynaecologists recommended it. Of 39 participants with children, 30 (76.9%) would recommend their children to receive HPV vaccination. In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with higher vaccination rate were higher education levels (odds ratio [OR]=2.007, p=0.025), higher household income (OR=1.451, p=0.021), better knowledge on HPV-related questions (OR=1.541, p<0.001), and the perception that the vaccines are safe (OR=2.168, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Despite adequate knowledge and favourable perception towards HPV vaccination, our participants have suboptimal vaccination uptake. Gynaecologists should be more proactive to educate women on vaccination.
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