Assessment of 5 A’s of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination:
Awareness, Attitude, Apprehension, Action expected and Acceptability
Amongst Health Care Providers, Medical Students, Para-Medical and
Administration Staff in AIIMS Rajkot
Abstract
Introduction: The study aims to assess awareness, attitude,
apprehension, action expected from policy makers, and acceptability
towards HPV vaccination amongst health care providers (HCP), medical
students, paramedical staff and administrative personnel.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 501
participants, including HCP, medical students, paramedical and
administrative staff. Their awareness, attitudes, apprehensions, actions
expected from policymakers, and acceptability towards HPV vaccine were
assessed through a Google Form survey. Results: Of the 501
participants, 92.4% were aware of HPV vaccines, 24.6% had a thorough
understanding of HPV, but only 5.8% had received the vaccine. Most
participants held a positive attitude toward cervical cancer prevention
and HPV vaccination, although 46.7% expressed apprehensions. Initially,
278 participants (55.8%) were willing to receive the HPV vaccine, while
116 (44.2%) were not. After viewing the educational video, willingness
increased to 394 participants (78.6%), and those unwilling decreased to
107 (21.4%). Factors such as age, gender, marital status, education,
and professional role did not significantly predict knowledge or
apprehension regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine. However, professional
role and younger adult (20-39 years) groups were statistically
significant predictors of a positive attitude as well as stronger
expectations for action from policymakers towards HPV vaccine.
Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in HPV vaccine
awareness and uptake among medical professionals, paramedics, and
administrative staff. It highlights the need for broad educational
programs to address these knowledge gaps, emphasizing HPV’s health
impacts and preventive measures. Multimedia educational interventions
effectively boost vaccine acceptance among the groups and the general
public.