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Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among Chinese women: concerns and implications
Author(s) -
Kwan TTC,
Chan KKL,
Yip AMW,
Tam KF,
Cheung ANY,
Lo SST,
Lee PWH,
Ngan HYS
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.01988.x
Subject(s) - vaccination , cervical cancer , medicine , human papillomavirus , ethnic group , hpv infection , family medicine , hpv vaccines , chinese people , demography , gynecology , cancer , china , immunology , sociology , anthropology , law , political science
Objective To explore Chinese women’s perceptions of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and their intention to be vaccinated. Design A cross‐sectional community‐based survey study. Setting Thirteen community women’s health centres of The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong. Sample A total of 1450 ethnic Chinese women aged 18 or above who attended the health centres. Methods Participants completed a written consent and an anonymous questionnaire onsite. Main outcome measures Knowledge and beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination against cervical cancer and participants’ own intention to be vaccinated. Results About 38% of the participants ( n = 527) had heard of HPV and 50% ( n = 697) had heard of vaccination against cervical cancer. HPV infection was perceived to be stigmatising and detrimental to intimate, family and social relationships. Despite misconceptions and a grossly inadequate knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, 88% of the participants ( n = 1219) indicated that they would likely be vaccinated. Majority of the participants believed that sexually experienced women should be vaccinated, while 27% opposed vaccinating sexually naive women. Younger age women who perceived a disruptive impact of HPV infection on intimate relationship and their partners’ approval were significantly associated with a positive intention to be HPV vaccinated. Conclusions The easy acceptability of HPV vaccination among the mostly sexually experienced Chinese participants and their knowledge deficit on the subject may implicate potential misuse of the vaccines and a false sense of security against cervical cancer. There is a dire need for culturally sensitive and tailored education for the public, women of different ages and their partners about HPV and HPV vaccination. Emphasis must be placed on the prophylactic nature of the current vaccines, the uncertain effects when given to sexually experienced women, the importance of adolescent vaccination and the need for continued cervical screening whether vaccinated or not.