Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi, cilt.15, sa.2, 2021 (ESCI)
© 2021 by Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunization Society.Objective: Since licensure of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, HPV vaccine coverage among Turkish adolescents has remained low compared with other recommended vaccines. The aim of this study was to determine parents awareness, knowledge, attitude and perceptions about HPV infection and HPV vaccine in Turkey. This information is critical to the development of approaches to optimise HPV vaccine uptake among this population group. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2017 and February 2018. The study sample comprised of volunteering to the families of children aged 9-18 years that were evaluated at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital Clinic of Pediatrics. A total of 1000 parents participated in this study. The survey sought socio-demographic characteristics of their families, the level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination, attitudes and behaviors on vaccination practice. Results: 762 (76.2%) women and 268 (26.8%) men were included in this study. The mean age was 37.7 ± 6.4. 66% of the mothers were graduates of high school and university, while 80.2% of the fathers were graduates of high school and university. Only 269 (26.9%) of the parents had heard of HPV and 220 (22%) had heard of HPV vaccine. The most common source of information of parents was the print media organs. Only 55 (5.5%) of the parents reported that they were informed by pediatrician and family physician. Only 14 (1.4%) of the parents were vaccinated for HPV. Only two parents had their children get vaccinated against HPV. Conclusion: Despite the good socioeconomic status and accessible health care services of our sample, their awareness and knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccine was very low.