Willingness to get HPV vaccination among female university students in Kuwait and its relation to vaccine conspiracy beliefs

Abstract

A substantial burden of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and HPV-related cancers can be mitigated by vaccination. The current study aimed to investigate the willingness of female students at the University of Kuwait to get HPV vaccination and its possible association with general vaccine conspiracy beliefs (VCBs). This cross-sectional survey study was conducted during September–November 2022 using a validated VCB scale as the survey instrument. The final sample comprised 611 respondents with a median age of 22 y and a majority of Arab ethnicity ( n = 600, 98.2%). Only 360 respondents (56.9%) heard of HPV before participation and these students showed an above-average level of HPV knowledge (mean knowledge score of 12.7 ± 2.6 out of 16 as the maximum score), of whom only 33 self-reported HPV vaccine uptake (9.2%). The willingness to accept free-of-charge HPV vaccination was seen among 69.8% of the participants, with 20.1% who were hesitant and 10.1% who were resistant. The acceptance of HPV vaccination if payment is required was 23.1%. Reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy/resistance included complacency to the HPV disease risks, lack of confidence in HPV vaccination, and inconvenience. The embrace of VCBs was associated with significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine hesitancy/resistance. The current study showed the detrimental impact of endorsing vaccine conspiracy beliefs manifested in lower intention to get HPV vaccination among female university students in Kuwait. This should be considered in vaccine promotion efforts aiming to reduce the burden of HPV cancers.

Adherence to Recommended Immunization Schedules in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Biologics and Small Molecule Therapies

“…The cost of the HPV vaccine is a major barrier, even in high-income countries such as Kuwait, where it is not included in routine immunization programs [44]. Furthermore, the Middle East has witnessed the embrace of conspiratorial ideas about vaccination, including among educated groups, and misinformation plays a crucial role in shaping negative attitudes [44]. These facts together could be the reason behind the low HPV vaccine uptake shown in our sample.…”

“…The prevalence of HPV-related diseases is relatively low in Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries, leading to a perception of low risk. However, complacency towards HPV and low intentions to receive vaccination are observed [44]. Despite evidence indicating the public health significance of HPV-related cancers, challenges remain in the region, including lack of awareness, safety concerns, low vaccine uptake, hesitancy towards vaccination, and affordability concerns.…”

“…Despite evidence indicating the public health significance of HPV-related cancers, challenges remain in the region, including lack of awareness, safety concerns, low vaccine uptake, hesitancy towards vaccination, and affordability concerns. The cost of the HPV vaccine is a major barrier, even in high-income countries such as Kuwait, where it is not included in routine immunization programs [44]. Furthermore, the Middle East has witnessed the embrace of conspiratorial ideas about vaccination, including among educated groups, and misinformation plays a crucial role in shaping negative attitudes [44].…”

Investigating the Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes in Iraq: A Study Unveiling the Negative Impact of Misinformation and Vaccine Conspiracy

“…Extensive evidence has consistently highlighted the widespread presence of medical conspiracy theories and their potential impact on various aspects of healthrelated behaviors, including the willingness to get vaccinated and actual vaccine uptake. 27,46,[53][54][55][56][57] The adoption of conspiracy theories can exert a direct influence on individual engagement behaviors, including health-related practices. [58][59][60] For example, the detrimental impact of embracing COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs on compliance with government-imposed restrictions, adherence to preventive measures, and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination was shown in a study from the U.S. by Romer and Jamieson.…”

Attitude towards Cholera Vaccination and its Related Factors in Jordan amid the 2022 Middle East Outbreak

“…Notably, assessing the attitude to cholera vaccination can be helpful to shed light on possible factors that may in uence the willingness to accept vaccination, which is particularly relevant in the Middle East countries where vaccination hesitancy represents a growing concern [49][50][51]. Thus, the evaluation of attitudes to cholera vaccination in a Middle Eastern country can provide insights into the feasibility and potential success of vaccination programs in the region.…”