Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptability of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine and Vaccination Among University Students in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer, a major consequence of persistent HPV infection, is the third most common cancer in women worldwide and has claimed around 311,000 women lives in 2018. The majority of these deaths took place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs, where cervical cancer screening coverage is low, the HPV vaccine is a promising tool for preventing HPV infections and, thus, averting cervical cancer cases. In Indonesia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and HPV vaccination demonstration programs are underway in several provinces, but the HPV vaccine has not yet been introduced nationally. Since students are an important source of information for the community, and medical and nursing students are the future healthcare professionals, this study explored the knowledge, attitude, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine among University students in Indonesia.Methodology: A self-administered online questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and willingness of University students toward HPV vaccination.Result: A total of 433 students from Medical, Nursing, Social Sciences, and other faculties participated in the survey. It was identified that over 90% of the students were aware of cervical cancer and HPV, but only 68% knew about the HPV vaccine before participating in the study. Despite an average knowledge on the HPV vaccine, the students showed a strong willingness to receive the vaccine (95.8% acceptance rate). They believed that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective and that it will protect against HPV infection. The high cost and the lack of adequate information flow on HPV-related topics have been identified as potential barriers to the adoption of the HPV vaccine in Indonesia.Conclusion: Despite a high willingness for HPV vaccine uptake among students, there is a need to provide education on HPV vaccine-related topics to Indonesian students through awareness and training programs and improving the academic curriculum on vaccination for the long-term sustainability of the HPV vaccination program.

Encouraging improvement in HPV vaccination coverage among adolescent girls in Kampala, Uganda

“…This study, as has been shown by other studies, found that knowledge about the vaccine, positive peer influence and promotive health worker education and recommendation regarding the vaccine were identified as promoters of vaccination uptake [ 18 , 20 – 23 ]. The study likewise, as has been reported elsewhere found some factors that are barriers to higher vaccine uptakes including prevailing community concerns about vaccine safety and adverse events following immunization, vaccine supply stock outs and inadequate information about vaccines [ 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 23 ]. Sarah et al, in their online survey conducted among 1,653 parents, found that only 28% to 54% were ready to send their children for the second dose; blaming this low uptake to child’s fear of needles, the lack of awareness about additional doses and concerns regarding vaccine safety [ 12 ].…”

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

“…Literacy, screening, and vaccination become a practical approaches in diminishing the burden of CC. However, the KAP of Indonesian people about this issue in previous studies was poor [ 29 , 30 , 43 ]. Thereby, we aim to reevaluate the KAP towards HPV, CC, and vaccine, along with socio-demographic characteristics influences in an urban community where a massive CC prevention program has been established.…”

“…However, this topic is scarcely studied in the general population and diverse across various countries [ 25 ]. Few studies explored this topic in Indonesia in-depth: a prior study more focused on parent’s attitudes, beliefs, and uptake of the HPV vaccination [ 26 ], a study only took samples from women in single primary care about knowledge and behavior regarding CC [ 27 ], a study was conducted only in junior high school students with tiny sample [ 28 ], a study did research on women population about HPV vaccination and CC screening [ 29 ], and two studies only assessed knowledge, attitude, and acceptability of HPV vaccination among university students [ 30 , 31 ]. To the best of our knowledge, no reported data on the KAP related to HPV, CC, and vaccination among urban citizens in Indonesia, especially those reporting KAP as a united link of public health construct.…”

Stunting Prevention with Education and Nutrition in Pregnant Women: A Review of Literature

“…Continuous education and monthly monitoring are needed in monitoring the diet of pregnant women during pregnancy classes at the Posyandu. In line with statement Khatiwada et al (2021) potential knowledge gaps and barriers to acceptance and help develop effective educational messages to raise awareness, reduce negativity, and promotion health services [25].…”