Human papillomavirus vaccination intention among young women in Thailand

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to examine knowledge and beliefs regarding HPV and cervical cancer and to predict HPV vaccination intention among young women in Thailand using a cross-sectional descriptive study design.

Methods: An online survey was carried out to obtain young women's demographic, HPV and cervical cancer-related health characteristics, knowledge, and beliefs toward HPV and cervical cancer of a sample of young women aged 18-24 years (n = 391) recruited from universities/colleges located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant independent predictors of HPV vaccination intention.

Findings: Five participants (1.2%) had received at least one shot of the HPV vaccine. Of 386 participants, 218 (56.5%) reported high intention to obtain the HPV vaccine. Young women's knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 7.89 (SD, 3.99; range, 0-15). Knowledge was significantly and positively related to perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and perceived benefits of HPV vaccination, but negatively related to perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. Participants with a higher level of knowledge were significantly more likely to obtain the vaccine. A multivariate logistic regression model identified predictors of HPV vaccination intention: recommendations from significant others, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and feeling embarrassed about getting the HPV vaccine.

Conclusions: Health education efforts are needed to promote further understanding of HPV and cervical cancer, particularly with more attention to HPV vaccination.