Social Approach to Human Papilloma Virus and Vaccine: Reflection of Knowledge, Attitudes and Costs

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the public about human papilloma virus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine, and to determine their attitudes towards HPV vaccination and the obstacles they encounter. Materials and Methods:In this descriptive study, a structured questionnaire including questions about HPV infection, vaccine types, vaccination age ranges, and vaccine efficacy was applied to the participants.In addition, the effect of factors such as their attitudes towards vaccination, information sources, and the cost of vaccination were also evaluated. Results:The results showed that there is a serious lack of knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine in the community.Most of the participants were not sufficiently familiar with the vaccine, did not know what HPV infection was, and had doubts about the protection of the vaccine.Lack of information, cost, lack of confidence, and inadequacies in the health system were the main reasons for not getting vaccinated. Conclusion:Our study revealed that public awareness of HPV vaccination is low, and the cost of the vaccine is an important barrier.In order to implement an effective HPV vaccination programme, health policies should be established to raise public awareness, the cost of the vaccine should be reduced, and educational activities should be increased through health professionals.