Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Parents

Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer, contributing significantly to the global disease burden, particularly in countries like India. Despite the availability of vaccines targeting oncogenic strains, awareness and uptake remain varied, influenced by education and socio-economic factors. This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV vaccination among children aged 0–18 years in a paediatric outpatient setting in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 parents using a semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was employed, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews in Tamil. The survey assessed parental awareness of cervical cancer, HPV transmission, and vaccine acceptability. Participants were queried on their knowledge of HPV, belief in vaccine preventability, attitudes toward vaccinating boys and girls, and willingness to pay for or receive free HPV vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 29.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to evaluate associations between categorical variables, with significance set at P < 0.001. Results Among the participants, 56.9% had heard of cervical cancer, and 50.6% believed in vaccine preventability. Awareness regarding HPV’s impact on boys was low (20%), with only 22.5% supporting HPV vaccination for boys compared to 49.4% for girls. Despite this, vaccine acceptability was high, with 87% of parents expressing willingness to pay for it. Though vaccination uptake was significantly higher in females (51.7%) compared to males (4.7%), greater awareness to reach 100% vaccination is needed. Conclusion The study highlights significant gaps in parental awareness regarding HPV infection and vaccination, particularly concerning its impact on boys. While vaccine acceptance was high among the educated population surveyed, targeted educational interventions are necessary to improve understanding and equitable uptake. Strengthening awareness and incorporating HPV vaccination into national immunization programs can help reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality effectively.