Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Adult Women in Primary Health Care Centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer, which is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. While HPV vaccines are effective, their coverage remains low in low- and middle-income countries. Public awareness of HPV vaccination is also limited. The study examines public awareness of cervical cancer, HPV, the HPV vaccine, and factors that hinder vaccine uptake. Objectives: To assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards HPV vaccination among women aged 16 years and above in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an interview questionnaire. A stratified sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 534 female patients aged 16 years and older who visited primary healthcare centers in Makkah. The interview questionnaire included questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about HPV vaccination, attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccination, and sources of information about HPV infection and vaccines. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 21 and 40 years (76.4%), Saudi (90.3%), and had a higher education level (73.4%). Only a small proportion (1.9%-39%) of participants correctly answered most of the questions related to HPV vaccination, while a few questions were answered correctly by a larger proportion (41.6%-59.6%), highlighting the need for educational programs to increase awareness about the HPV vaccine. The internet and social media were the most prevalent sources of information about HPV infection and vaccines (48.4%). A majority of participants expressed willingness to receive the HPV vaccine if offered by the healthcare sector at no cost (65.5%). Concerns included fear of injection (27.7%), cost (23.2%), and potential refusal from family or community (9.7%). A significant proportion believed that there is a need for educational sessions to increase awareness about the HPV vaccine in their community (82.8%) and that increased knowledge about HPV vaccines would lead to greater acceptability (83.9%). Age, nationality, marital status, number of children, educational status, occupation, and average monthly income were significantly associated with knowledge about HPV vaccination (p < 0.05). Age and educational status were significantly associated with attitudes towards HPV vaccination (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The lack of knowledge about HPV vaccination among adult women in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is concerning, as it may result in low vaccine uptake rates and an increased incidence of HPV-related diseases. Therefore, targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns are crucial to enhance knowledge and promote the uptake of the HPV vaccine. These programs should be designed to provide accurate information about the prevalence of HPV, its associated risks, and the benefits of vaccination.

The Association Between Parents’ Knowledge About Human Papillomavirus and Their Intention to Vaccinate Their Daughters: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Monthly income was associated with acceptance of the HPV vaccine. Fathers with high incomes were more accepting of the vaccine, consistent with other study findings [26,27]. Meanwhile, parents with lower monthly incomes were less eager to vaccinate their daughters.…”

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception Towards Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Among the General Population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In comparison with previous studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, our findings highlight inadequate knowledge about HPV [11,12]. A similar study conducted in Makkah revealed limited knowledge and awareness about the virus, and a relatively low percentage of participants (18%) were aware that the HPV vaccine does not cause serious side effects, despite an overall positive inclination toward receiving the vaccine if offered free of charge [13].…”

Perceptions, Attitudes, and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Despite the availability of HPV vaccines and the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the national immunization program since 2018, vaccination coverage remains low [9]. Several factors contribute to the low uptake of HPV vaccination in Saudi Arabia, including limited awareness and knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, cultural and religious beliefs, concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, and healthcare system-related barriers [10][11][12][13].…”