Knowledge and Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine by Parents of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Introduction: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) associated with cervical cancer. Currently there are 3 types of vaccines in Mexico that protect against HPV. The target age group for the application of the HPV vaccine is underaged, consequently dependent on consent from their parents. Therefore, knowledge and authorization of the vaccine by parents is essential. The Objective: of this research was to describe the level of knowledge and acceptance about the HPV vaccine by parents of students in the fourth, fifth and sixth years of primary education. Methodology: The study is descriptive, cross-sectional, not probabilistic for convenience. A sample of 83 parents of fourth, fifth and sixth grade students in a public elementary school in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua was studied. The participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and the measurement instrument entitled Prevention of human papillomavirus infections and vaccination in adolescence: knowledge, attitudes and behavior of parents. Results: Knowledge about HPV infection in parents is scarce, however the availability of the vaccine in the city is known by most parents. Among the reasons that stand out most for not applying the vaccine is the fear of adverse effects and the doubtful efficacy of the HPV vaccine. Health personnel serve as the main source of information about the vaccine. The level of knowledge of the HPV vaccine is considered moderate and very few parents accept its application. Discussion: The acceptance of the vaccine in juvenileparents is low, similar in China, Turkey and Romania. Opposite results on the population of Tlaxcala, Morelos,Mexico City, Zacatecas and Tijuana where there is high acceptance. There is moderate knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in parents from Juarez, Brazil, Queretans and Romanians. Conclusions: Knowledge of the HPV vaccine is moderate, and its acceptance is low. Having a higher educational level does not seem to influence the knowledge and acceptance of the vaccine.