Awareness and Attitudes Among Parents of Females Aged 9-26 in Saudi Arabia Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

TL;DR

This study explores how aware and willing Saudi parents are to vaccinate their daughters against HPV, finding moderate awareness and a need for better education.

Contribution

The study provides insights into parental awareness and attitudes toward HPV vaccination in Saudi Arabia, highlighting barriers and potential solutions.

Findings

61.5% of parents were aware of the HPV vaccine, but only 46.5% knew it prevents cervical cancer.

68.4% of parents intended to vaccinate their daughters, while hesitancy was driven by lack of awareness and fear of vaccines.

Educational efforts via social media and healthcare professionals are recommended to improve vaccination rates.

Abstract

Background

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be prevented by vaccination. The HPV vaccine received approval in Saudi Arabia in 2010.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the awareness and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among parents of females aged 9-26 in Saudi Arabia and explore factors contributing to hesitancy or acceptance.

Methods

Conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 in Saudi Arabia, this cross-sectional study surveyed parents of females aged 9-26 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included parental demographics, maternal vaccination status, awareness of the HPV vaccine, and attitudes toward it.

Results

Out of 551 participants, 445 (82.4%) were mothers. Most participants (331; 69.1%) had attained a university education, and approximately half (315; 57.2%) were employed. A total of 339 (61.5%) were aware of the HPV vaccine, 256 (46.5%) knew of its connection to cervical cancer, and 296 (53.7%) understood its preventive role. Among them, 230 participants demonstrated a good level of awareness, while 321 had a poor level. The majority (377; 68.4%) intended to vaccinate their daughters. Reasons for hesitancy among those unwilling included lack of awareness (234; 42.5%), insufficient information (206; 37.4%), fear of vaccines and needles (203; 36.8%), and conflicting medical opinions (165; 29.9%).

Conclusion

The current level of awareness regarding HPV vaccines within the general population is deemed satisfactory, with the majority expressing intent to vaccinate their daughters. Ongoing efforts are warranted to enhance awareness further, particularly by leveraging social media platforms and the expertise of trusted physicians and healthcare authorities. These endeavors are crucial for mitigating the preventable impact of HPV infection. Additionally, it is imperative to sustain immunization programs for HPV vaccines, ensuring streamlined vaccine administration.

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