Women show mixed intentions regarding the uptake of HPV vaccinations in pre-adolescents: a questionnaire study.
BACKGROUND
The general introduction of HPV vaccination, as the primary prevention of cervical cancer, is the subject of debate in the Netherlands.


METHODS
We explored intentions towards HPV vaccinations for pre-adolescents in 1367 women; screen invitees, women with abnormal smears, cervical cancer survivors, and a reference group.


RESULTS
76% (screen invitees) to 81% (women with abnormal smears) said 'yes' to vaccinations, often motivated by 'prevention is better than cure'. Multivariate logistic regression showed that younger women were more positive than older women. Intentions were not related to education, job, marital status or having children. Both women who were pro and anti-HPV vaccinations expressed concerns about long-term effectiveness and side effects. Comments such as 'cervical cancer runs in the family' demonstrated confused knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
Most respondents had a positive intention towards HPV vaccinations, but intention was lower than actual childhood vaccination uptake in the current National Immunisation Programme (95%). Uncertainties about long-term effectiveness and side effects were the major causes of doubt.
Korfage
Ida J
IJ
Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. ikorfage@erasmusmc.nl
Essink-Bot
Marie-Louise
ML
Daamen
Ruth
R
Mols
Floortje
F
van Ballegooijen
Marjolein
M
D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D017533:Marital Status; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines