Human papillomavirus vaccination intention among young women in Thailand

The aims of this study were to examine knowledge and beliefs regarding HPV and cervical cancer and to predict HPV vaccination intention among young women in Thailand using a cross-sectional descriptive study design.

An online survey was carried out to obtain young women's demographic, HPV and cervical cancer-related health characteristics, knowledge, and beliefs toward HPV and cervical cancer of a sample of young women aged 18-24 years (n = 391) recruited from universities/colleges located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant independent predictors of HPV vaccination intention.

Five participants (1.2%) had received at least one shot of the HPV vaccine. Of 386 participants, 218 (56.5%) reported high intention to obtain the HPV vaccine. Young women's knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 7.89 (SD, 3.99; range, 0-15). Knowledge was significantly and positively related to perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and perceived benefits of HPV vaccination, but negatively related to perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. Participants with a higher level of knowledge were significantly more likely to obtain the vaccine. A multivariate logistic regression model identified predictors of HPV vaccination intention: recommendations from significant others, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and feeling embarrassed about getting the HPV vaccine.

Health education efforts are needed to promote further understanding of HPV and cervical cancer, particularly with more attention to HPV vaccination.