Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices (KAP) Regarding HPV Infection And Vaccination Among Women Aged ≥30 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/1wkj5a13Keywords:
Human papillomavirus, Cervical cancer, adult women, Vaccine, Women's health; Preventive healthcare,Abstract
Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and a leading cause of cervical cancer, particularly due to high-risk strains HPV-16 and HPV-18. Although HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, vaccine uptake among adult women remains low. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of women aged ≥30 years regarding HPV infection and vaccination is essential to improving public health interventions. Hence, we intend to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HPV infection and vaccination among women aged 30 years and above.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 women aged ≥30 years using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected on socio-demographics, awareness of HPV and its vaccine, attitudes toward vaccination, and self-reported vaccination history. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations.
Results: The mean age of participants was 33.4 years. Urban residents comprised 60.2% of the sample, and 69.5% had at least undergraduate-level education. While 66.7% were aware that HPV causes cervical cancer, only 50.5% knew about high-risk strains. Most participants (78.2%) believed the HPV vaccine is important for women, but only 44.1% thought it should be given to men. Despite this, only 23.4% had completed the full HPV vaccine course. Higher education and previous screening history were significantly associated with vaccination uptake (p=0.02). Common concerns included side effects and doubts about continued screening needs post-vaccination.
Conclusion: Although awareness and attitudes toward HPV vaccination were moderately positive, actual vaccination rates were low among women aged ≥30 years. Misconceptions and lack of access were key barriers. Targeted education, financial support, and proactive healthcare provider engagement are necessary to improve vaccine uptake in this population.
