Awareness of parents about human papillomavirus vaccine

Abstract

Objectives: Cervical cancer is one of the leading preventable cancers and human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in its etiology. Vaccination is recommended to prevent cervical cancer during adolescence. This study aimed to determine the awareness levels of parents about HPV vaccines recommended in adolescence and their attitudes towards vaccination. Methods: Parents with children aged 9-18 years who applied to pediatric outpatient clinic between June 2019 and August 2019 were included in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire examined about sociodemographic characteristics and information source regarding the HPV vaccine and attitude toward paid vaccine. Results: A total of 299 parents were enrolled in the study. When parents' awareness of the vaccine was questioned, only 47 (15.7%) stated that they had heard of the vaccine before. After being provided with the information on the vaccine, 207 (69.2%) of the participants stated that they did not want their children to be vaccinated against HPV, 118 (57.0%) of them showed a negative approach due to the cost. Conclusion: In our study, it is observed that the awareness level of the parents was low. The most common reason for not wanting their children to be vaccinated was the cost of the vaccine.