Attitudes Regarding HPV Vaccinations of Children among Mothers with Adolescent Daughters in Korea

Abstract

The aim of this study, carried out before the beginning of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations as a National Immunization Program (NIP) in Korea in 2016, is to assess the ranges of perceptions and personal experience and their influences on attitudes regarding HPV vaccinations of children, among mothers of adolescent (9–14 years of age) daughters in Korea. From November 2015 to February 2016, we distributed a written questionnaire to mothers who had daughters aged 9–14 years. The questionnaire consisted of several questions, related to knowledge of HPV, personal experiences of HPV vaccination, and attitudes toward HPV vaccinations of their adolescent daughters. Of the 260 questionnaires distributed, 140 participants returned answered ones. And although only 51% of participants were aware that cervical cancer is highly related with HPV infection, 70% said they were willing to vaccinate their daughters, showing that awareness does not coincide with intention to vaccinate. Among the participants showing negative attitudes, 50% were concerned about the vaccination side effects. The more the participants’ pre-knowledge about HPV infection, and about the relationship of HPV to cervical cancer, the more positive their attitudes (P = 0.002, P < 0.001). Our study showed that, as the level of education rose, the proportion of mothers with negative attitudes toward vaccinating their adolescent daughters rose as well. Thus, the provision of correct education by health care providers and accurate information through active advertising may play an important role in increasing the vaccination rate among adolescent girls in Korea.

Awareness and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccine among females with and without daughter(s) who participated in cervical cancer screening in Shenzhen, China

“…Women in Shenzhen were more willing to have their daughter(s) vaccinated than women in other cities in China and in developed countries . A multicentre survey in China had reported that mothers are more reluctant than fathers to accept vaccination for their children and that they are more suspicious of newly developed vaccines .…”

“…Possible explanations might be that mothers would pay more attention to HPV vaccination if they had daughter(s), leading to a better understanding of HPV and its vaccine, which furthered the intention to have both themselves and their daughter (s) vaccinated. Women in Shenzhen were more willing to have their daughter(s) vaccinated than women in other cities in China [10,[29][30][31] and in developed countries [15,32]. A multicentre survey in China had reported that mothers are more reluctant than fathers to accept vaccination for their children and that they are more suspicious of newly developed vaccines [31].…”

Knowledge and attitude on human papilloma virus among adolescent girls in school students at Puducherry

“…33 The analysis of chi-square value was 4.4705 with the p=0.1069 which is not significant. 34 This reveals that there is no association between the level of knowledge and sex. Analysis of the participants according to their standard, majority of adolescent girls studying in 9 th standard (38.3%) and there are 18.3% of adolescent girls are studying in 8 th standard.…”

HPV Vaccine Adherence Among Adolescents: Integrative Review

“…36 Adverse events associated to the vaccine. 42 Knowledge about HPV. 39 Mothers' lack of knowledge about the vaccine, uncertainty about its safety or effectiveness, worries about future sex life and vaccine costs.…”