HPV vaccination in Hong Kong: uptake and reasons for non-vaccination amongst Chinese adolescent girls

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to determine HPV vaccine uptake (≥ 1 dose) amongst adolescent girls in Hong Kong and to explore the reasons for non-acceptance of the vaccine.

Study design: A total of 1832 secondary school girls (15.5 ± 2.0 years) were randomly surveyed. Their HPV vaccine uptake was estimated, and their reasons for non-vaccination summarised.

Results: A total of 131 (7.2%, 95% CI: 6.0-8.4%) adolescent girls had received the HPV vaccine (≥ 1 dose). Vaccine uptake was positively associated with a higher maternal education level and locally born status. Amongst the non-vaccinated girls, 20.6% had never heard of or knew little about the vaccine, 20.2% 'did not know where to receive', and 17.8% were concerned about the cost.

Conclusions: The HPV vaccine uptake amongst adolescent girls in Hong Kong is very low. A school-based education and service programme is needed to improve uptake and prevent disparities in the Chinese population.

Keywords: Adolescent girls; Chinese; Human papillomavirus; Social disparity; Vaccination.