The Family Health Strategy Influence on the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptance in a Peripheral Community of the Brazilian Amazon Region

Abstract

Introduction: The coverage of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains low worldwide. The Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Brazil has an important role in health promotion in communities. Given the FHS's close contact with assisted communities, the coverage of the HPV vaccine should be high in children. This study aims to investigate the acceptance of the HPV vaccine of parents or guardians of a peripheral community of the Brazilian Amazon region assisted by the FHS and influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study recruiting the residents of a subnormal agglomerate of Belém (Pará-Brazil) and covered by the FHS was conducted. Data were collected from September 30 to November 5, 2019. The questionnaire "Knowledge and Acceptability of HPV and Its Vaccine"was used. Data were analyzed through binary and multiple regression analyses. Results: A total of 247 participants were included in this study, and 85 of which (34.4%) declared that they did not vaccinate their children. Hesitation to vaccinate was related to few years of schooling (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, p=0.008), having sons (OR: 3.14, p=0.000), inadequate knowledge about doses of the HPV (OR: 2.44, p=0.015), and knowledge of anyone who received the HPV vaccine (OR: 7.07, p=0.000). Conclusion: Results suggested the low efficiency of FHS in increasing the HPV vaccination coverage in the assisted communities. A strategy involving a dialog with assisted families and continuous health education to health professionals should be implemented to combat fake news and increase HPV vaccination coverage.