Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine status and knowledge of students at a university in rural Thailand

Abstract

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. HPV vaccination prevents HPV types that commonly cause these cancers. HPV vaccines have been approved in Thailand since 2007. However, the vaccination rate remains low, particularly in young people. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the information level regarding HPV infection and vaccination in the younger Thai population, the self-reported vaccination rate, the vaccine intention, and factors affecting the intention. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 521 undergraduate students (77% female). We used a 34 items self-administered questionnaire (18 questions assessing knowledge level). Results The mean score of knowledge was 7.53 ± 4.95 (total score 18), indicating a low-to-moderate level of knowledge. Female gender and health-related majors were significant factors associated with greater knowledge. The self-reported vaccination rate was 1.9% among only female participants. Only 30.3% of the unvaccinated subjects had the intention to receive the vaccine. The factors affecting vaccine intention were female gender and having knowledge score ≥7. The barriers to HPV vaccination were cost (52.2%), and the perception of no need due to low-risk behavior (45.1%). Conclusion Education programs on HPV infection and vaccination should be included in the curriculum earlier, if possible, since primary school because the vaccine works best before the onset of sexual activity. In university students, the education programs may encourage the sexually inexperienced students to receive the vaccines, as they are still the ideal group for catch-up vaccination. Moreover, parental education is essential, as national vaccination programs usually target younger people. Knowledge sharing by educated people and organizations could enhance the information level in the communities. Consequently, people become aware of primary prevention by vaccination, which may lead to an increase in vaccination rates and eventually decrease HPV-related cancers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Indonesian urban communities regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination

“…Meanwhile, in Thailand, the HPV vaccination program involves males aged 13–21 years besides females aged 9–26 years. Indeed, catch up vaccination to age 26 is suggested for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, and immunocompromised persons [ 91 ]…”

High Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Type 18 in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders in Thailand

“…A self-reported study in Thailand revealed that only 1.9% of 521 undergraduate students had a history of vaccination. (Chanprasertpinyo and Rerkswattavorn, 2020). The reasons to decline vaccination were two-fold: the expenses of the vaccine and the lack of awareness of HPV infection (Ratanasiripong Nop et al, 2018;Chanprasertpinyo and Rerkswattavorn, 2020).…”

Perception and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer prevention among fully vaccinated female university students in the era of HPV vaccination: a cross-sectional study

“…16 17 22 23 The respondents' awareness and knowledge of HPV infection was also far below par compared with other highincome or low-income countries. [24][25][26][27] More than half of the students (51.8%) were unaware that HPV infection could cause genital warts. This rate was high as compared with other high-income or low-income countries.…”