Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Acceptance for Girls Among Jewish and Muslim Parents in Israel

Abstract

Several hundred species of Papillomaviridae (papillomaviruses) have been identified. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), transmitted by sexual intercourse, is the most common venereal disease in the western world, and the main cause of cervical cancer. Two approved vaccines are recommended during puberty to vaccinate recipients before they are sexually active. Most parents decide to administer the vaccine, but some oppose the vaccine for different reasons. Various factors can affect parents’ decision to vaccinate their daughters. The goal of this study was to examine Israeli parents’ attitudes and knowledge about the HPV vaccine, and the differences between them in their decision whether to administer the vaccine to their daughters. A cross-sectional study examined the knowledge, behavioral beliefs, intention-to-administer HPV vaccines, and self-reported screening behavior of 150 Jewish and Muslims parents. Results indicated a link between knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine. The more the knowledge, the higher parents’ intention was to administer the vaccine. Significant differences were found between Jewish and Muslim parents’ knowledge about the HPV vaccine. Religious parents knew less and were less inclined to vaccinate. We concluded that it is very important to clarify the factors influencing parents’ decision to vaccinate their daughters.