Adolescent girls' attitudes on human papillomavirus vaccination.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the attitudes of adolescent girls on Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the impact of an information pamphlet on their attitude. Other factors that may affect their attitude were also studied.

DESIGN

Questionnaire survey.

SETTING

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

250 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination. Immediately following this, they read an information pamphlet on HPV vaccination. They then completed the same questionnaire again.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The attitude of the adolescents towards HPV vaccination.

RESULTS

Initially, 35% intended to receive the vaccination but after reading the information pamphlet, it rose to 69%. Their intention was positively correlated with their knowledge (P = 0.003), health belief (P < 0.001) and belief in who should receive the vaccine (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated with their belief that other people would approve of their vaccination (normative belief) (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in their knowledge score (P < 0.001) after reading the pamphlet. Their health belief and belief in who should receive vaccine became more positive (P < 0.001), but the normative belief was more negative (P = 0.002) after reading.

CONCLUSION

69% of adolescent girls intended to receive HPV vaccination and their intention was improved by reading an information pamphlet. It was positively correlated with their knowledge, health belief, and belief in who should receive the vaccine, but negatively correlated with their normative belief.