The Comparison of Human Papillomavirus Knowledge by General Characteristics in Vaccinated Thai Women
Siriporn Saeloo BNS1, Chantanee Taepisitpong MNS2, Nuttavut Kantathavorn MD2,3, Sunisa Rawangban BNS2, Sireethorn Kwangkaew BNS2, Waraphorn Krongthong MSc1
Affiliation : 1 Data Management Unit, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Woman Health Center, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccine knowledge, the reason for receiving HPV vaccination and
comparison of HPV vaccine knowledge by general characteristics.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly sampled 300 of 1,366 women who received HPV
vaccination with bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines during October 2013 to March 2014. Data were collected by interviewing
women before the second or third dose of HPV vaccine. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean and standard
deviation [SD]. HPV vaccine knowledge and general characteristics were compared by one-way ANOVA.
Results : The women were 21 to 68 years of age (mean, 43.97 years), predominantly had sexual experience (74.7%), had
obtained Bachelor’s degree or higher (69.0%), and had monthly income >20,000 baht (53.3%). The mean HPV vaccine
knowledge score was 7.31, and most women had good (52.0%) or moderate knowledge (33.0%). Main reasons for receiving
HPV vaccination included benefits/cost-effectiveness (99.3%), fear of cervical cancer (93.3%) and recommended by medical
personnel (81.3%). Significant differences were observed for HPV vaccine knowledge according to age group (p<0.001),
monthly income (p = 0.015) and educational attainment (p = 0.015).
Conclusion : Proactive strategies about HPV vaccine knowledge could lead to health equity towards sustainable prevention
of cervical cancer in Thai women.
Keywords : Knowledge, HPV vaccine, HPV infection
