Cervical cancer awareness and vaccine hesitancy with respect to HPV vaccination in urban community of Faridabad, Haryana, India.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess cervical cancer awareness and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among females aged 9-45 years in an urban community of Faridabad, Haryana, India.

Materials and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 female residents of Prem Nagar, Faridabad. Participants were assessed for their knowledge about cervical cancer and their willingness for HPV vaccination, screened for cervical cancer-related symptoms, and those symptomatic were referred for appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations between variables were tested using chi-square tests.

Results: The mean age of participants was 27.14 (standard deviation, 8.32) years; most were married 239 (79.1%). Awareness of cervical cancer was low, with only 73 (24.2%) having heard of the disease and very limited knowledge of its etiology and prevention. Awareness of HPV vaccination was extremely poor 32 (10.6%). Despite this, 219 (72.5%) expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. The main barriers among those unwilling 83 (27.5%) were lack of interest or motivation 44 (53.0%) and limited decision-making autonomy 25 (30.1%), while fear and knowledge deficits were less common.

Conclusion: Awareness regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was markedly inadequate in this urban community; however, willingness to accept vaccination was high. Further rollout of vaccination by government, targeted health education, community engagement, and empowerment of women in health decision-making could substantially improve vaccine uptake and prevent cervical cancer.