Factors associated with the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine, Huanuco, Peru

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) produces the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infection in the world. A strategy to reduce infection rates for this virus is vaccination to young women between 9 and 13 years, so it is imperative to ensure the highest degree of acceptability to the vaccine. Aim: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs associated with the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in the parents of a rural and urban area of the Huanuco. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 168 parents. The c² test was used to assess associations, with 95% confidence, p significant <0.05. Results: The mean age was 35.08 years, 67% had secondary education and 27.3% of parents did not accept the vaccine. A statistically significant relationship was found between the level of medium-high knowledge (p = 0.017), positive attitudes towards vaccines (p <0.001), absence of beliefs (p <0.001), Catholic religion (p = 0.002) and presence of studies in the degree of education (p = 0.016) with the acceptability towards the vaccine. Those parents whose beliefs were evidenced were 6.56 times more likely not to accept the human papillomavirus vaccine. Conclusions: The factors associated with the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine are the level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, religion and the degree of instruction.