Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccine: A survey among master of business administration students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

4^th International Conference on Vaccines & Vaccination

September 24-26, 2014 Valencia Convention Centre, Spain

M E Hoque and G van Hal

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

C ervical cancer is a preventable public health problem. The new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is available but not accessible to everyone in South Africa, as it is very expensive. This study aimed to investigate educated peoples acceptability regarding HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional educational interventional survey was conducted among 146 Master of Business Administration students by self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. The majority (74%) of the participants ever heard of cervical cancer but only 26.2% heard about HPV. After reading the fact information regarding cervical cancer and HPV, the intention to vaccinate their daughters increased from 88% to 97.2%. The majority (75.4%) indicated that HPV vaccination should be given before their daughters are mature enough to understand about sex, and 80.3% reported that they will discuss matters related to sex with their daughters if their daughters want to know about the vaccine. After reading the fact information, four participants still did not want to vaccinate their daughters. Main reasons for not vaccinating were safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Those who did not want to vaccinate their daughters highlighted that they want more information regarding safety of the vaccine which might change their decision towards HPV vaccination. A health education intervention method can increase the vaccination acceptance rate. The department of health of South Africa should develop and implement an educational interventional program to increase the awareness regarding HPV vaccination among different groups of people.

Biography :

M E Hoque is currently doing his PhD in Medical Science from University of Antwerp, Belgium. For his PhD degree, he is investigating human papillomavirus acceptability among different population groups in South Africa. He is currently lecturing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He has published more than 40 articles in peer reviewed journals.