Attitudes and knowledge about HPV vaccination among Ghanaian women with cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective To explore knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, barriers to vaccination and acceptance of the HPV vaccine in the highest‐risk and most‐impacted population in Ghana. Methods A survey was administered to 100 women with histologically confirmed cervical cancer at a teaching hospital in Ghana. Results Participants had a mean age of 59 (±14.3) years, 65.0% had a parity of five or higher and 89.0% had a monthly income less than 500 Ghana cedis ($63 USD). Seventy‐nine percent of participants had a diagnosis of stage III or greater cervical cancer. Only 8.0% had heard of HPV and 4.0% knew that HPV caused cervical cancer. Fifty‐five percent had not heard of vaccines, in general; of the remainder, the majority endorsed that vaccines, in general, were effective (89.0%) and safe (95.0%). No participants had received the HPV vaccine. After a brief education session, 94% believed the HPV vaccine was effective and 65.0% were categorised as having ‘high vaccine acceptance’ after responding ‘definitely yes’ to recommending the HPV vaccine to female relatives, male relatives and the community. There were no significant differences in demographic variables or cervical cancer disease characteristics between the ‘high vaccine acceptance’ and ‘some vaccine hesitancy’ groups. Conclusion Although women with cervical cancer in Ghana have low awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination, they demonstrate high vaccine acceptability and low hesitancy.

Prevalence and Correlates of Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge Among High School Students in Ghana

“…Insufficient knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors, HPV vaccination, and screening is linked to low participation in prevention programs and adverse health outcomes including late diagnosis and treatment (Chidyaonga-Maseko et al, 2015;Ebu et al, 2014;Rugutt, 2014). While previous studies have found inadequate knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors, vaccination, and screening among Ghanaian women, men in the general population, and college students (Binka et al, 2016;Ebu et al, 2014;Gyamfua et al, 2019;Williams & Amoateng, 2012;Zurales et al, 2023), few studies have examined knowledge of the disease among high school students.…”

Prevalence and risk factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection among women living with HIV (WLWH) at a tertiary health facility in Accra, Ghana

“…Additionally, following the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Ghana in 2013 through support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI), vaccination remains low. Poor access, lack of knowledge and cost have been reported as barriers to uptake [ 22 ]. The estimated population of all women that have been screened by pap smear is low at 2.4%, most of which has been opportunistic [ 23 , 24 ].…”