Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Puerto Rico: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The success of the HPV preventive measures requires the need for educational interventions as well as an understanding of groups at risks’ concerns regarding HPV. Pregnant women are a key “teachable” population for the development of communication and information strategies to increase trust in HPV immunization during childhood. This study aims to evaluate and measure the level of knowledge of pregnant women in Puerto Rico about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and willingness to vaccinate their children at the recommended age. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was addressed to pregnant women at two Obstetrician- Gynecologists (OB-GYN) private offices in San Juan and Caguas, Puerto Rico. Results: A total of 102 questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Mean age of respondents was 27 years (range 21-38 years). Most participants reported they had heard about HPV (92%), knew that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (88%) and that it can cause cervical cancer (73.5%). However, less than half (35%) knew that HPV is treatable. Seventy-eight percent of respondents were aware of the HPV vaccine, and 61.7% knew that the vaccine could prevent cervical cancer. Sixty percent of them were aware of the recommended age for the vaccine. Sixty-one percent of the responders that knew about HPV and the vaccine were willing to vaccinate their children at the recommended age. Conclusion: This survey indicated that awareness of HPV among pregnant women in Puerto Rico is high. However, there are significant gaps in knowledge about HPV, the vaccine and its preventive attributes, which may contribute to the low willingness to vaccinate their children at the recommended age. Reinforcement of educational interventions at the obstetric clinics might help increase the patient population who is immunized against HPV.