Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake and factors related to uptake in a traditional desert city in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

It is important to assess uptake of a new vaccine. The present survey estimated the uptake of the recently introduced human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and also explored barriers to uptake. A questionnaire survey was conducted in secondary schools, enrolling 334 girls. The uptake percentage was estimated and factors associated with uptake were assessed with multilevel logistic regression. Crude vaccination uptake was 53%. Factors positively associated with uptake were, among others, having knowledge on human papillomavirus (vaccine) and having United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationality. The HPVV uptake of just over 50% could probably be improved by educating the target group and their parents before offering the HPVV and by making it free of costs for everyone.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of School Nurses in the United Arab Emirates about HPV Infection and Vaccine

“…This is better than the HPV uptake in many of Western countries including UK where the coverage is still below 80% (DOH-UK, 2011). Interestingly preliminary studies prior to the introduction of the vaccine in UAE suggested that the uptake will be as low as 53% (Al-Nuaimi et al, 2011) Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD) has worked hard over the last three years to train all health care professionals and public about HPV vaccine through workshops and media programs. This strategy is a wellknown method to increase the uptake of HPV vaccine (Reiter et al, 2011).…”

“…A survey in 2003 among female primary care physicians in the UAE regarding cervical screening showed only 30% of the sampled physicians believed that cervical cancer can be prevented (Al-Nuimi et al, 2011). More recently a survey in 2008 among 334 secondary schools girls revealed that the most important factor associated with more uptake of the HPV vaccine was the correct knowledge of the HPV vaccine (Nganwai et al, 2008).…”

Predictors Associated with the Willingness to Take Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

“…Regarding the reason to decline HPV vaccination, findings from previous studies carried out in the UAE [22], the USA [23] and Malaysia [15] show that there is uncertainty concerning the efficacy of the HPV vaccine and there are worries about side effects. We have found the same.…”

Knowledge, awareness and acceptability of anti-HPV vaccine in the Arab states of the Middle East and North Africa Region: a systematic review

“…Among the 18 studies retained in this review, 3 were conducted in the United Arab Emirates, the only country that had already introduced a national programme of HPV vaccination. In 2008, the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (the capital of the United Arab Emirates) introduced the free anti-HPV vaccine for schoolgirls, whether or not they were natives of the United Arab Emirates; becoming the first country in the MENA region to organize a national cervical cancer immunization programme (12,15,16).…”