Perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among women in India

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women. However, it is preventable to the extent of 90%. The acceptability of HPV vaccination is very low in the rural settings. The Health Belief Model can effectively address problem behaviours that evoke health concerns. The study was done to find out the factors that shape the perceptions towards cervical cancer and readiness for HPV vaccination among reproductive age group women. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in a rural area of Hooghly district. A total of 119 study participants were selected using two-stage Sampling and their knowledge and perceptions regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination were assessed using a validated interview schedule based on the constructs of Health Belief Model. The factors that drive the perceptions were determined using Multiple Logistic Regression analysis. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16 version. The results showed that the median age of the study participants was 30 years and 15.1% had family history of cancer. Majority of them (71.4%) had unsatisfactory knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Among the HBM constructs, perceived susceptibility and self- efficacy had 26.9% and 18.5% unsatisfactory responses respectively. Age (AOR=8.29, 95% CI=1.01–68.25), Education (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.22–15.17) and knowledge (AOR=3.06, 95% CI=1.63–10.60) were significant predictors of satisfactory perceptions. Education, adequate knowledge and younger age were the factors that shaped the perceptions and readiness for HPV vaccination. The HBM can be used to devise robust interventions to improve readiness.