Knowledge and Perceptions of HPV and HPV vaccination among women of childbearing age at West Demerara Regional Hospital Obstetrics High-Risk Antenatal Clinic and Outpatient Gynecology Clinic
Introduction
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection
worldwide. HPV vaccines can prevent malignancies, however, vaccination uptake remains low
globally.
Objectives
To describe the current knowledge of HPV, and HPV vaccination among women of
childbearing age at WDRH Obstetrics High-Risk Antenatal Clinic and Outpatient Gynecology
clinic from July 1st to 31st, 2023, to evaluate the sociodemographic factors associated with HPV
vaccination in this group of women, and to evaluate the prevalence of HPV vaccination among
this population of women.
Method
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested
questionnaire, administered by the researchers. The sample was composed of 220 completed
questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Services
(SPSS) software.
Results
Twenty-one percent (21%) of participants were vaccinated or initiated vaccination
against HPV. Level of education and employment status were associated with HPV vaccination.
Twenty-five percent (25%) of participants answered more than fifty-three (53 %) of questions
about HPV and HPV vaccination correctly. Ethnicity was the only demographic characteristic
associated with knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination. Half of the participants stated that
HPV vaccination was safe to use.
Conclusion
The overall knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination was low among women at
West Demerara Regional Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. Ethnicity is a
determinant of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination. The level of education and
employment status are determinants for HPV vaccination. Vaccine uptake is low among women
of childbearing age at the WDRH Antenatal and Gynecology Outpatient Clinics.
Recommendations
The Ministry of Health should embark on more HPV vaccination campaigns
to educate individuals about HPV infection, the associated cancers, and vaccination.
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