Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptability among Healthcare Workers, Parents, and Adolescent Pupils: A Pilot Study in Public Health Centers of Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction Knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccination should be identified for supporting the HPV vaccine program in public health centers. Qualitative research approach is one approach that can be developed for increasing the acceptance and use of HPV vaccines in the community. Perceptions of health workers, parents, teachers, and adolescents related to HPV immunization can be explored in depth. This study was performed to explore the perception and meaning of the HPV vaccine acceptability among healthcare professionals, parents, and adolescent pupils in Bali, Indonesia. Methods A mixed method study was conducted among 176 elementary school children. In-depth interviews were performed with five of the parents and eight of the teachers. Then, four focus group discussions among 19 health professionals were performed for supporting data. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure knowledge of HPV and acceptability of HPV vaccine among participants. An interview of standard guidelines was performed to identify the perception of the HPV vaccine. Results The study identified that perception about HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine was low among adolescents and teachers for all of the questions. However, knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccine among parents and healthcare professionals were higher. Meanwhile, the acceptability of the HPV vaccine and the personal experience of women were more positive for the healthcare professionals. Conclusions Knowledge and perception regarding HPV and HPV vaccination among adolescents and teachers in Indonesia, particularly in Denpasar, Bali, are still insufficient. However, the perception of vaccine administration is acceptance for parents and healthcare professionals. Therefore, socialization of HPV vaccine programs in school and community are needed to improve health promotion about the importance of the HPV vaccine.