Knowledge and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical cancer screening among pregnant women in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study
Keywords:
Health knowledge, attitudes, practice, Papillomavirus vaccines, Pregnant people, Uterine cervical neoplasmsAbstract
Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening among pregnant women in Hong Kong and to determine their associated factors. By identifying misconceptions and barriers, our findings could help formulate preventive strategies against HPV-related cancers.
Methods: Pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics at Tuen Mun Hospital between June 2021 and May 2024 were invited to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire explored pregnant women’s knowledge about HPV (8 items) and cervical cancer (8 items), attitudes towards HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening (15 items), experience and plan for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening (5 items), and demographic information (8 items). Responses to the knowledge questions were yes-or-no answers; obtaining >80% correct answers was defined as sufficient knowledge.
Results: In total, 364 pregnant women completed the questionnaire. Of these, 126 (34.6%) had sufficient knowledge about HPV, and 82 (22.5%) had sufficient knowledge about cervical cancer. Among non-Chinese women, the percentages were 12.1% and 12.1%, respectively. Planning to receive HPV vaccination and to have regular cervical screening after pregnancy was more likely in pregnant women of Chinese ethnicity, with a family history of gynaecological malignancy, with cervical screening within 3 years, and with sufficient HPV knowledge.
Conclusion: To increase the uptake of HPV vaccine and cervical screening, enhancement of knowledge and removal of misconceptions and stigma are crucial for health-seeking behaviours of both the mothers and their children.
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