Distinct demographic factors influence the acceptance of vaccination against HPV

To investigate the possible effect of demographic factors on HPV vaccination acceptance in Greece.

Analysis was performed on data from the "LYSISTRATA" project, a prospective, cross-sectional study, focusing on questions regarding the acceptance of HPV vaccination among Greek women for themselves, and their 13-year-old daughter or son. In total, 5,379 women participated in the study, between 2005 and 2011.

Women born and raised in Greece were more likely to accept HPV vaccination for themselves (aOR = 4.1, 95 % CI 2.9-5.8), their daughter (aOR = 3.3, 95 % CI 2.3-4.7) and son (aOR = 3.3, 95 % CI 2.3-4.8), compared with immigrants. Similarly, women who had a Papanicolaou's test were more likely to accept vaccination for themselves (aOR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.4-2.3), their daughter (aOR = 1.5, 95 % CI 1.2-1.9) and son (aOR = 1.4, 95 % CI 1.1-1.7) than those never tested. Smokers were less likely to accept HPV vaccination for themselves (aOR = 0.8, 95 % CI 0.6-0.9); however, such an association was not documented concerning their children. Educational level had a rather inconsistent impact on HPV vaccination acceptance. The effect of womens' age, monthly income, residence, profession and marital status on HPV vaccination acceptance for themselves was different than that for their daughters, and even more for their sons.

There are distinct demographic factors that influence HPV vaccination acceptance. Women's perception that male vaccination is not as necessary may lead to lower acceptance of HPV vaccination for young boys and men.