Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and behavior of families about HPV vaccine

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and behaviors about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and vaccination from parents of children aged 9-18 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study sample comprised of volunteering to the families of children aged 9-18 years that were evaluated at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics between September 2017 and February 2018. The descriptive survey instrument was developed by the investigators. Survey content and format were based on prior surveys and guidelines. A total of 1000 parents participated in this study. The survey sought socio-demographic characteristics of their families, the level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination, attitudes and behaviors on vaccination practice. RESULTS: 762 (%76.2) women and 268 (%26.8) men were included in this study. The mean age was 37.7 ± 6.4. 66% of the mothers were graduates of high school and university, while 80.2% of the fathers were graduates of high school and university. Only 269 (26.9%) of the parents had heard of HPV and 207 (20.7%) had heard of the HPV vaccine. Most common source of information for our study population was the press publication organs. Only 55 (5.5%) of the parents reported that they were informed by pediatrician and family physician. Only 14 (1.4%) of the parents had had HPV vaccination. Only 2 parents had HPV vaccination for their child. Participants had limited knowledge about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. 93 (43.7%) of parents who heard / knew HPV vaccine stated that they willing to be vaccinated against HPV, 90 (41.7%) stated found to be safe. Approximately 119 (55.4%) of parents stated lack of information about the vaccine, 65 (30.3%) stated concern about financial coast, 19 (8.9%) stated there was no need for the vaccine, 19 (8.8%) stated concern over vaccine safety and 11 (5.1%) stated that they did not fit the religious values. Other reasons include concerns over the effect on adolescents sexual behavior, and effectiveness. viii CONCLUSION: The use of HPV vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer, a public health problem. There is not yet enough awareness about this vaccine in our country. Health care provider recommendation will play an important role in the acceptance and widespread use of the HPV vaccine. KEY WORDS: Human Papilloma Virus, Vaccine, Awareness