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Human papillomavirus ( HPV ) awareness and vaccine receptivity among Senegalese adolescents
Author(s) -
Massey Philip M.,
Boansi Ruth K.,
Gipson Jessica D.,
Adams Rachel M.,
Riess Helene,
Dieng Thierno,
Prelip Michael L.,
Glik Deborah C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12798
Subject(s) - medicine , odds , odds ratio , logistic regression , demography , family medicine , health communication , human papillomavirus , psychology , communication , sociology
Objective To examine HPV vaccine awareness and receptivity among adolescents and young adults in Senegal. Methods Participants from six high schools and five community centres across five regions of Senegal ( n = 2286) completed a self‐administered questionnaire in October and November 2014. The study assessed HPV awareness and receptivity towards receiving the HPV vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression explored statistically significant relationships between the predictor variables and both outcomes. Results Twenty‐seven percent had heard of HPV . Among those who had heard of HPV ( n = 616), only 28% indicated willingness to vaccinate. Multivariable analysis showed that respondents from rural areas had 63% higher odds (95% CI : 1.24, 2.12) of having heard of HPV than those in urban areas. Respondents with fathers who had completed higher education had 41% higher odds (95% CI : 1.04, 1.92) of being aware of HPV ( P < 0.05); however, every level of father's education (as compared to no education at all) was negatively associated with willingness to vaccinate. Respondents who had previously spoken to a healthcare professional about the HPV vaccine had 80% higher odds (95% CI : 1.16, 2.81) of willingness to vaccinate than those who did not speak to a provider about the vaccine. Conclusions Healthcare providers and parents are important stakeholders in disseminating HPV vaccine information. Given the overall low levels of awareness, there is a great opportunity for public health communication efforts to craft health messaging and information in a way to maximise receptivity, outlining benefits and providing information on the minimal risks associated with the vaccine.