Knowledge, Perception, and Acceptance of HPV Vaccination and Screening for Cervical Cancer among Women in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: To determine knowledge, perception, and acceptance related to cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and<br />screening for cervical cancer among Indonesian women, particularly in Yogyakarta province. Methods: A convenience<br />sample of 392 women consists of 192 young women, 100 mothers of girls aged 12 – 15 years, and 100 adult women<br />in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia was participated in this study. A self-administered paper-based questionnaire was<br />used to determine demographics characteristics of respondents, as well as their knowledge – perception – acceptance<br />related to cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, and screening for cervical cancer. Data collection were conducted during<br />December 2013 to March 2014. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze description of demographics characteristics,<br />knowledge, perception, and acceptance; while crosstab analysis using Chi-Square was used to analyze the relationship<br />between demographics characteristics versus knowledge, perception, and acceptance. Results: This study found that<br />knowledge and perception regarding cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, and screening for cervical cancer among women<br />in Indonesia, particularly in Yogyakarta Province were still insufficient, however the acceptance was good. Among female<br />young women, 64% had good knowledge, 62% had positive perception of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, and<br />92% tended to accept HPV vaccination. Among mothers of girls aged 12 – 15 years, 44% had good knowledge, 46%<br />had positive perception of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, and 91% tended to accept HPV vaccination for their<br />daughters. Among adult women, 68% had good knowledge, 57% had positive perception of cervical cancer and screening<br />for cervical cancer, and 90% tended to accept cervical cancer screening. In general, demographics characteristics of<br />having experience and exposure to information had significant relationship with knowledge, perception, and acceptance<br />of HPV vaccination and screening for cervical cancer. Conclusions: Either knowledge or perception of cervical cancer<br />and strategies toward it among Indonesian women particularly in Yogyakarta province were still unsatisfied. Efforts<br />should be improved for supporting cervical cancer prevention and control in Indonesia through such as education on<br />cervical cancer disease and strategies toward it.