Knowledge and attitudes toward HPV and the HPV vaccines in the bahamas

Abstract

Objective: High-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are a necessary, albeit not sufficient, cause for cervical cancer development. In The Bahamas, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer despite screening and educational efforts. As a vaccine programme is being considered, awareness of HPV-related conditions and its vaccine need to be measured. Methods: This study design was cross-sectional and carried out at three clinical sites and one community in Nassau, Bahamas. All participants were over the age of 18 years and were invited to answer a (self-administered) questionnaire regarding knowledge and attitudes toward HPV and its vaccines. Results: Of 399 participants, 75% were female and 23% male. About 41% had a high school education and 55.4% had some tertiary college education. Forty-six per cent had heard of HPV and 35% heard of the vaccine. The mean number of correct answers about HPV was 2.93 ± 3.17 of 10 questions, while for the vaccine, it was 1.37 ± 1.58 of five questions. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that some college education was associated with more HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge. Seventy-three per cent needed reassurance of the vaccine's safety and efficacy. Sixty-five per cent would vaccinate their daughters and 68% would vaccinate their sons if the vaccine was safe and effective. Conclusion: More public education is needed to increase awareness of cervical cancer and HPVrelated diseases. Reassurance with respect to vaccine safety and efficacy also needs to be addressed. Since the majority would vaccinate their children, there is the potential for a national vaccination programme to succeed.