PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH BELIEFS, AND INTENTIONS OF THEIR CHILD'S HPV VACCINATION UTILIZING THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. To combat its prevalence, governments offer vaccination programs. However, vaccination rates for HPV among children in Tagbilaran City remain low. This study investigates the differences in knowledge, health beliefs, and intentions regarding HPV vaccination among parents of female children aged 9 to 14 years, taking into account various demographic factors. The objective of the study is to identify demographic variables—such as age, education level, marital status, household income, number of children, HPV vaccination status, and HPV health education status—that influence parents' knowledge, health beliefs, and intentions toward HPV vaccination. A descriptive survey method was employed, surveying 328 parents. The findings indicate that parents aged 31 to 40 years have higher levels of knowledge, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and intentions regarding HPV vaccination. Educational attainment significantly impacts all examined dimensions; parents with lower education levels exhibited higher knowledge and perceived benefits but also faced greater perceived barriers. Civil status affected perceived susceptibility and benefits, with single and widowed individuals feeling more at risk and recognizing more benefits than those who were married. Lower-income respondents demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and vaccination intentions but also perceived greater severity and fewer barriers to vaccination. Parents with more children generally showed increased knowledge and stronger intentions regarding vaccination. Additionally, those who received health education on HPV tended to have lower knowledge and intentions but recognized more perceived barriers. This study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions that address demographic disparities and misconceptions to improve HPV vaccination rates. Educational campaigns should focus on correcting misunderstandings about HPV transmission, treatment, and vaccine safety, while also addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers to vaccination.