Human papillomavirus vaccine administration among women in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey: prevalence and barriers.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are very effective in preventing HPV infection and related diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the HPV vaccine administration and barriers to vaccination among women aged 15-49 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 401 women aged 15-49 years. The prevalence of women who received the HPV vaccine, their knowledge about HPV in general, HPV screening tests, HPV vaccine and the current HPV vaccination program were evaluated. Barriers to getting the HPV vaccine were questioned. RESULTS: The mean age of women who had received the HPV vaccine was 30.87±8.89 and the mean age at the first sexual intercourse was 22 years. 3.2% of women received HPV vaccine. The most important factor impeding the vaccination was unawareness of the HPV vaccine and the high cost of the vaccine. If the vaccine was free, most (81.2%) of the participants stated that they would vaccinate themselves and their children (72.8%). The highest lack of information was observed about the vaccination program and vaccinated women were more informed about HPV, HPV screening tests, HPV vaccine and the vaccination program. The increase in the knowledge about the HPV vaccination program increased the probability of getting vaccinated by an odds ratio (OR) of 4.43 times. CONCLUSIONS: The most important barriers to HPV vaccination were the lack of public funding for vaccines and the lack of information. We recommend increasing educational activities on the HPV vaccination program and public funding of vaccination.