Evaluation of attitudes of human papillomavirus vaccine among parents and guardians

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer has a standardized rate of 20.2 cases per 100,000 women and 9.6 deaths per 100,000 women in Mongolia, which is high compared to global and regional levels. The leading cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and HPV immunization is the way to prevent infection. The Immunization Law of Mongolia was amended in 2023, and the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was included in the mandatory national scheduled vaccination for 11-year-old children. Attitudes toward HPV infection and the HPV vaccine are essential influences on vaccination decisions. Therefore, there is a need to study the attitude of parents and guardians regarding the newly introduced vaccine and the decision to get vaccinated, which is the basis for conducting this study. Aim: To assess the attitudes of parents and guardians about the vaccine against human papillomavirus infection. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a quantitative research model, and the results were processed in the SPSS 25.0 software. The study involved parents and guardians of children under the age of 15 from 4 aimags, eight sums, and 3 districts of UB city, representing the Mongolian region. Attitudes toward the HPV vaccine were determined by evaluating the importance and effectiveness of the vaccine, agreeing with it, and motivation to get vaccinated. Results: A total of 3057 parents and guardians participated in the survey; 47.92% were from rural areas, and 52.08% were from Ulaanbaatar. The majority of participants (62.43) are parents and guardians of children aged 9-11 years. 19.85 percent of the respondents believed that their children are at risk of HPV infection, and 37.58 percent agreed that the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing HPV-related cancers. Thirteen percent of parents and guardians said they would vaccinate their children against HPV infection, and 8 in 10 were unsure. When clarifying the reasons for not getting vaccinated against HPV infection, the most common responses were concerns about side effects after vaccination, concerns about the quality and long-term effects of the vaccine. Parents and guardians believe that evidence-based information about the vaccine (48.9 percent) and advice and information from health workers (40.63 percent) are essential when deciding to get vaccinated against HPV infection. Attitudes toward HPV vaccination did not differ by gender, but there were statistically significant differences by location and age. Conclusion: Providing parents and caregivers with evidence-based information about vaccine safety, side effects, and efÏcacy, including health professionals, was identified as the most essential and reliable resource for addressing issues that influence HPV vaccine refusal and hesitancy.