Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2008 Jun;51(6):617-623.

Knowledge of human papillomavirus infection and acceptability of vaccination among adult women in Korea

• Choi KA
• Kim JH
• Lee KS
• Oh JK
• Liu SN
• Shin HR

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The HPV vaccination target adolescents, and may be influenced by opinion of parents and other family member. For implementation of HPV vaccine, we measured knowledge of HPV infection and acceptability of vaccination among adults in Korea.
METHODS
From August 2006 to November 2007, we provided a written questionnaire to females (above 19 years- olds) who visited Il-sin Christian hospital for prenatal care or gynecological examination. The questionnaire was built using elements of The Health Belief Model. We measured (1) awareness of HPV (2) perceived susceptibility (3) perceived seriousness (4) perceived benefit of vaccination (5) perceived barriers (6) cues to action.
RESULTS
Total 975 females answered the questionnaire, and the mean age was 40 years. Only 23.8% knew the fact cervical cancer is related to HPV infection. 78.3% of respondents were willing to accept HPV vaccination after they understood HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer. Financial burden and possible side effect were barriers to vaccination.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite of low awareness of HPV infection, most (78.3%) adults favored having HPV vaccination. But the vaccine was more likely to be accepted if it is recommended by a physician and reasonably priced.

Keyword

Human papillomavirus; Vaccination; Cervical cancer; Acceptability

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Cues
Surveys and Questionnaires
Female
Gynecological Examination
Humans
Korea
Papillomavirus Infections
Parents
Prenatal Care
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Vaccination