Abstract:
Objective To investigate awareness and intention of human papilloma virus(HPV) vaccination among adolescent females in Guangdong Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for effective HPV vaccination.
Methods Self-developed questionnaire was randomly distributed to adolescent girls in primary school, middle school, high school, and university at Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shantou from June to November 2020. Their awareness and willingness to receive HPV vaccine were investigated. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze data.
Results Total of 850 questionnaires were distributed, and valid questionnaires were 778. The response rate was 91. 53%. 65. 17% adolescent females had heard of HPV vaccine, and the awareness rate of HPV vaccine among age group of 20-24 and education level being junior college or above was the highest(74. 38% and 74. 14%, respectively). Among those girls who have heard of HPV vaccine, the main route of access was through media advocacy such as television and internet. Girls at age group of 20-24 and whose education level were junior college or above had the highest willingness to be vaccinated, the rate was78. 51% and 79. 28%, respectively. The main reason for being willing to be vaccinated was that HPV vaccine could protect them from HPV infected diseases. The main reason for being unwilling to be vaccinated was that they were not aware of HPV vaccine, and followed by their worries about the safety of the vaccine.
Conclusion The awareness and intention of HPV vaccination among girls aged 10-14 in Guangdong Province are low. Therefore, health education on HPV vaccine and cervical cancer prevention and control should be strengthened, especially for girls aged 10-14.