Parental intention to vaccinate daughters with the human papillomavirus vaccine in Korea: a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to identify and compare the characteristics and factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate daughters under 12 years old against human papillomavirus (HPV), examining data from 2016 and 2020.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey conducted in 2016 and 2020. The present study included 3,510 parents with daughters under 12 years old. Changes in parental intention-to-vaccinate rates were calculated. To identify factors associated with parental intention to vaccinate their daughters, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results: The percentage of respondents intending to vaccinate their daughters increased from 33.4% in 2016 to 58.9% in 2020, constituting a 25.5 percentage point (%p) increase. Since 2016, the proportion of men expressing positive intention towards HPV vaccination increased by 31.5%p, while that of women demonstrated a 20.9%p increase. Logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a strong intention to vaccinate their daughters tended to be younger, more educated, and aware of the free vaccination program available, as well as to have a history of HPV vaccination and to have undergone cervical cancer screening within 2 years, compared to those who did not intend to vaccinate. Being a mother with a history of HPV vaccination was the strongest predictor of positive intention to vaccinate a daughter.

Conclusions: The intention among parents to vaccinate daughters remains relatively low, although it is rising. To increase the HPV vaccination rate, strong recommendations and education should be provided to parents and the younger generation.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus; Intention; Vaccination.