Abstract 4977: Knowledge and acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine in parents from the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract Introduction: cervical cancer ranks eighth in global cancer incidence and fourth among women worldwide. Its development is strongly associated with infection by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) making vaccination a critical preventive measure. In 2012, Colombia’s Ministry of Health launched a free HPV vaccination program, positioning the country as one with the highest coverage rates globally. However, vaccination rates began to decline in 2014, with coverage for the second dose reported at 27% that year. This decline has been attributed to an incident occurred in 2014 in the municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar. The reasons behind this decrease and the current perceptions of parents regarding the vaccine remain unclear. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptability among parents of girls under 13 in two Colombian Caribbean municipalities. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of girls under the age of 13 residing in two Colombian Caribbean municipalities. Data were collected using a structured survey administered, focused on exploring sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge related to the HPV vaccine. Results: a total of 238 participants were surveyed, with a mean age of 33 years old, 87.39% of whom were women. 78.1% belonged to the lowest socioeconomic stratum. All participants reported having daughters aged 13 years or younger. Vaccine acceptance was 76.8% (88% among those under 30 years old, n=84) and 70% among parents 30 years of age and older (n=154). Despite this, a significant proportion of participants lacked knowledge about how HPV is transmitted or prevented (38.6%, n= 92), and misconceptions about severe adverse effects, such as seizures, were common (between 32.79% and 35.34%). Conclusion: vaccine acceptance was associated with knowledge about HPV, and influenced by sociodemographic factors. In both communities, distrust regarding adverse effects remains a significant barrier to vaccination. Tailored educational interventions that address the specific needs and characteristics of each community are essential to address these challenges, improve HPV vaccine acceptance, and meet coverage goals, contributing to cervical cancer prevention and enhancing women’s quality of life. Citation Format: Ines Benedetti, Laura Mendoza Carmona, Valeria Duran Cordero, Sebastian Payares Florez, Ariel Marrugo Ortiz, Luis Alvis Estrada. Knowledge and acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine in parents from the Colombian Caribbean [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4977.