Knowledge, Attitudes and HPV Vaccine Intention Among Women in India

In India, cervical cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. However, uptake of the vaccine in India is low. We assessed knowledge and attitudes towards HPV, assess participants’ willingness to accept the vaccination for themselves and their children, and determine factors associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine among women in Mangalore, India. This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenient sample of 237 women aged 18–45 years using a semi-structured questionnaire. All respondents reported being aware of HPV infection. However, 22.36% (n = 53) of the respondents have never heard about genital warts and 18.57% (n = 44) have never heard about HPV vaccine. Participants displayed good general knowledge of HPV infection (median score, 1.26; Interquartile Range (IQR): 1.04–1.52) and average knowledge of HPV vaccine (e.g., median score, 1.18; IQR: 0.73–1.45). HPV general knowledge and vaccine knowledge were associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine and recommend it to children. Participant awareness of the HPV vaccine predicted vaccine intent for themselves. Participants’ willingness to recommend the vaccine for their children was associated with older age, married status, having one or more children, and having a college education. Lack of awareness about genital warts was strongly associated with participants’ refusal to get the HPV vaccine or recommend it for their own children (Relative Risk Ratio RRR: 12.21; 95% C.I.: 2.33–63.99). Our study validated the questionnaire as a reliable tool for assessing HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and vaccine intentions in women aged 18–45 years. Public health education should focus on increasing awareness of genital warts as a sequela of HPV, as well as promote awareness of role and safety of HPV vaccination in -children.