Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Hesitancy and Barriers in Achieving 100% Vaccine Coverage: A Web-based Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is one of the most effective primary measures to prevent HPV-related infections and deadly cancers. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine in the market for almost 17 years, it still remains underutilized. This study is planned with the objective to find out the reasons for vaccine hesitancy (VH) among the Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Web-based cross-sectional study done using a snowball sampling method. A prevalidated questionnaire containing 15 items was circulated through social media, and responses were evaluated for causes of VH.

RESULTS

Out of 1018 study participants, the majority were between 15 and 20 years (64.1%) of age. Most participants were females (60.5% vs. 39.5%). Out of all, 37.8% were sexually active. Most (99%) of the study participants did not have any children. The majority were students (72.2%). Most (87%) had heard about HPV vaccination, and teachers (46.2%) were the most common source of their information. Only 15.4% of the participants were aware that the vaccine was for both boys and girls. Only 15.9% knew that HPV vaccination can protect from genital warts, oropharyngeal carcinoma, cervical cancer, anal cancer, and vulvar and vaginal cancers. The majority (80.9%) were unvaccinated, and unawareness about the vaccine was the most common reason (38.2%) for that. Among vaccinated, majority experienced no major side effects (90.2%).

CONCLUSION

VH is one of the major barriers limiting 100% utilization of HPV vaccine across the country and needs to be addressed to combat the HPV virus-related disease.