Knowledge and attitudes of mothers toward HPV vaccination: A cross-sectional study in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background: Although recommended for all member states of World Health Organization, there is no national human papillomavirus vaccination program in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, there are no studies in Kazakhstan that evaluate the mothers’ perception of human papillomavirus vaccines. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination among mothers in Kazakhstan and the factors associated with their attitudes. Design: A cross-sectional study was performed during the period of December 2021—February 2022. The STROBE guideline for cross-sectional studies was applied. Methods: Paper-based structured questionnaires were filled out by 191 mothers, 141 of whom had daughters. The attitude score was assessed as per the Likert-type scale. The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance value of < 0.05 were used to analyze the relationships between the characteristics of mothers and their attitude scores. Results: The following factors were significantly associated with mothers’ attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination: a place of residence, family income, number of children, and refusal of vaccination for themselves (p < 0.005). Of all participants, only 45% of all mothers, 41% of mothers with a female, and 46% of mothers with male children had positive attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination. The child’s gender was not a significant determinant. Overall, the level of knowledge about human papillomavirus vaccination was found to be low. The median total score is 0 out of 12 for women who have negative and neutral attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccines. Among women who have positive attitudes toward HPV vaccines, the median score is around 3 points. Conclusion: Before the implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccination program into the Kazakhstani national vaccination calendar, comprehensive and adequate information and education campaigns are required on the national level for parents and the population in general.

Estimates of the incidence, prevalence, and factors associated with common sexually transmitted infections among Lebanese women

“…In conclusion, our study revealed the higher-than-expected prevalence of STIs among women attending OB/GYN clinics in the MENA region, emphasizing the significance of reinforcing STI surveillance to develop a better understanding of the burden of these infections nationwide and monitor infection trends over time [ 17 ]. Our findings also underscore the imperative for targeted prevention interventions, including HPV immunization [ 26 ], enhanced access to sexual health services, integration of STIs into routine screening protocols, and improved linkage to care [ 14 , 25 ]. Implementing these strategies is essential to reducing STI incidence and mitigating their adverse impact on women’s health, social well-being, and economic welfare.…”

“…There is a pressing need to integrate HPV screening into routine assessments for women of reproductive age in Lebanon and other Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) countries or, at the very least, to enhance awareness about the significance of HPV screening among women [ 25 ], akin to the campaigns established for breast cancer awareness [ 14 , 25 , 26 ]. Several cultural, economic, and access to healthcare factors contribute to the rising, but not fully documented, prevalence of STIs [ 6 , 19 , 21 ].…”

Mothers’ intention to vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus in NorthWest Ethiopia, using the theory of planned behavior

“…This finding was higher than the study done in Kazakhstan, 47% of the mothers who had negative attitudes toward HPV vaccination. 7 This may be due to the fact that in Kazakhstan, parental consent is required for medical interventions for children under 18 years.…”

“… 6 Although recommended for all member states of WHO, HPV vaccination has not been implemented in Kazakhstan yet. 7 In Ethiopia, the vaccine was launched in 2018; recently, the vaccine was given for 9–14-year-old females in two doses at 6-month intervals. 8 …”

Effective vaccination strategies for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer based on the mathematical model with a stochastic process

“…8 In particular, attitudes of mothers toward HPV vaccination are greatly impacted by health education and focused awareness initiatives, crucial factors in ensuring their children receive the vaccine. 9 Mathematical models have been developed to understand complex network structures in fields such as epidemiology, social dynamics, signaling networks, and neuroscience. 10 In particular, disease transmission has been investigated.…”