Awareness, Attitudes, and Acceptance of HPV Vaccination Among Reproductive-Age Women in Quetta: A Cross-Sectional Study on Predictors of Vaccine Uptake
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.1782Keywords:
Human papillomavirus, Cervical cancer, Vaccine acceptance, Health education, Reproductive-age women, Attitude to health, Preventive health services.Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women, particularly in low-resource settings, despite the availability of effective human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Inadequate awareness and vaccine hesitancy continue to hinder uptake, particularly among reproductive-age women who play a pivotal role in healthcare decisions. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of HPV vaccination among women aged 15–45 in Quetta, and to identify socio-demographic and cognitive predictors influencing vaccine acceptance. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months with a sample size of 189 women recruited through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria included females aged 15–45 years who had not received the HPV vaccine; those with a history of cervical cancer or immunosuppression were excluded. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes (Likert scale), and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 189 participants, 62% accepted HPV vaccination. High knowledge scores significantly predicted acceptance (OR = 0.91, p < 0.001), as did positive attitudes (OR = 2.40, p < 0.001). No significant associations were observed with age, marital status, or parity. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes are pivotal in shaping HPV vaccine acceptance among reproductive-age women. Integrating targeted educational strategies into reproductive healthcare could significantly improve vaccine uptake and reduce cervical cancer burden.
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