Human papilloma virus and vaccine: knowledge and acceptability in an Irish general hospital-a questionnaire-based...

In late 2019, Ireland extended its human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine schedule to include boys of school age.

It is known that knowledge aids in vaccine acceptability [1], and as such, this study aimed to assess women's knowledge of HPV and the vaccine, and if they found the vaccine to be acceptable for both men and women.

This was a questionnaire-based study, which took place over a 6-month period in a general hospital. One hundred women attending the gynaecology clinic were asked to complete a twenty two question questionnaire, based on similar, validated questionnaires. Participants were included if over 18 years, female and capable of consenting.

Responses were collected from n = 100 women. Questionnaires were distributed to 114 women. Fourteen women did not participate in the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 87.7%. Over 25% (n = 28) had never heard of the HPV vaccine. Of these, only one knew the risk factors for contracting HPV and only four, the diseases caused by HPV. Of this subgroup, 75% women responded 'I don't know' when asked if they think girls should receive the vaccine and 86% responded 'I don't know' with regards to boys receiving the vaccine. Of women who had heard of the vaccine (n = 74), 85% believed girls should receive the vaccine, while only 56% believed boys should.

This study highlights the ongoing lack of knowledge surrounding HPV and the vaccine within this community. The importance of knowledge for vaccine acceptability is highlighted by vaccination considered less acceptable for boys. This may affect vaccine uptake within this subgroup and as such the authors suggest further education be directed towards boys.